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HEARTS AND CORONETS 


THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

NEW YORK • BOSTON • CHICAGO 
ATLANTA • SAN FRANCISCO 

MACMILLAN & CO., Limited 

LONDON • BOMBAY • CALCUTTA 
MELBOURNE 

THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. 

TORONTO 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


A STORY FOR YOUNG -PEOPLE 


BY 

ALICE WILSON -FOX 

u 

AUTHOR OF “the GENERAL’S CHOICE,” “ DIANA’s 
DECISION,” “a dangerous INHERITANCE” 





> > > 


J 


> 


THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

1910 


All riff/its reserved 





COPTBIGHT, 1910, 

By the MACMILLAN COMPANY. 

Set up and electrotyped. Published August, igio. 



• 1 

# C f 


Norfajooti 

J. S. Cushing Co, — Berwick & Smith Co, 
Norwood, Mass., U.8.A. 


©CI.Aa71843 


DEDICATED TO 


L. V. R. 

WITH GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 


FROM A. B. AND THE AUTHOR 



CONTENTS 


CHAPTEE 

I. 

NEW FRIENDS 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

PAGE 

1 

11. 

A STATELY HOME . 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

14 

III. 

WINTER SPORTS 

• • 


• 


• 

26 

IV. 

AN OLD FASHIONED 

CHRISTMAS 

• 

• 

• 

• 

37 

V. 

A CONTRAST . 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

52 

VI. 

DULL DAYS 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

62 

VII. 

BEREAVEMENT 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

74 

VIII. 

LETTERS . 





• 

85 

IX. 

GRAND COMPANY . 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

96 

X. 

A RESCUE 






107 

XI. 

^‘A PASTORAL PLAY 

99 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

118 

XII. 

“A STARTLING DISCOVERY” . 

• 

• 

• 

• 

127 

XIII. 

PERPLEXITY . 






137 

XIV. 

COMING OF AGE 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

147 

XV. 

AN UNWELCOME INVITATION 

• 

• 

• 

• 

160 

XVI. 

BRIXTON AGAIN 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

170 

XVII. 

MONICA’S wedding 

• • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

181 

XVIII. 

OLD FRIENDS . 

• • 

vii 

• 

• 

• 

• 

192 


CONTENTS 


• • • 

Ylll 


CHAPTER 

XIX. 

SEA-FISHING .... 





PAOB 

202 

XX. 

A PICNIC .... 

• 

• 

• 

• 

211 

XXI. 

ANOTHER FRIEND 

• 

• 

• 

• 

222 

XXII. 

AT THE TOWERS . 

« 

• 

• 

• 

232 

XXIII. 

MOUNTAINEERING 

• 

• 

• 

• 

243 

XXIV. 

A CONFESSION 

• 

• 

• 

• 

258 

XXV. 

BANISHMENT 

• 

• 

• 

• 

269 

XXVI. 

“ A BOLT FROM THE BLUE ” 

• 


• 

* 

278 

XXVII. 

CONSULTATION . 

• 

• 

• 

• 

287 

XXVIII. 

“DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE” 


• 

• 

• 

297 

XXIX. 

AN UNWILLING INHERITOR . 

• 

• 

• 

• 

311 

XXX. 

A GREAT CHANGE 

• 

« 

• 

• 

322 

XXXI. 

• • • • • 

• 

• 

• 

• 

331 

XXXII. 

“WEDDING bells” 

• 

• 

• 

• 

341 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


► I 




1 ' V • 


1 


\ ’ 


> 



0 


t 



CHAPTER I 


NEW FRIENDS 

“ You must therefore love me, myself, and not my 
circumstances, if we are to be real friends.” 

Cicero. 

I SAY, look at the snow.’’ 

It looks pitch black,” said Alison in an awe- 
struck tone, pressing her nose against the window 
pane of the oscillating railway carriage. 

Jove, I believe we’re off the rails,” and 
the boy jumped up and sprang to the opposite 
window, trying to see into the darkness, as the 
carriage gave two or three tremendous bumps, 
shaking all the luggage in the racks down. As 
he crossed the floor, it leant over at an acute 
angle, bringing bags, rugs, sister, and new 
acquaintance, sliding in an indiscriminate heap 
on top of him. 

A sort of thunderous rush was heard over- 
head, and a series of heavy thuds on the roof, 
under which the strongly built framework 


2 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


quivered. Then a dim twilight filled the car- 
riage, as if grey blinds had been pulled upwards 
from outside. One of the windows cracked, and 
bent inwards^ and a small avalanche of snow fell 
in. The carriage then, with a sort of intelligent 
effort, partially righted itself, and stood still, 
while the children picked themselves up, and 
began to count their arms and legs. The faint 
light in the ceiling lamp went out, and grey 
darkness came in through the broken window, 
while a dead silence and absolute stillness suc- 
ceeded to the noise and movement of the train. 

I say, there’s an accident,” exclaimed Audrey, 
with more truth than originality. 

What on earth’s happened to the light ? ” 
said Alison. 

We’re over the windows in a snowdrift,” said 
Dick, excitedly. I say, what a lark.” 

I hope nobody’s hurt,” said Alison in a tone 
of concern. And how are we to get out? ” 

How silent it is,” said Audrey. “ I believe 
everybody else is killed.” 

“ Rot,” was Dick’s rejoinder. ^‘Listen, I hear 
voices, I simply can’t get this beastly door open.” 

Don’t try,” advised Alison, wisely. You’ll 
only fill us all up with snow. Somebody’s sure 
to come along presently.” 


NEW FRIENDS 


3 


Let’s shout,” suggested Audrey. And they 
raised their voices once and again, but the 
sounds seemed muffled and faint, and the snow 
hung outside the window, like a thick grey 
blanket. 

I say, we shall be wet if this snow keeps 
on coming in. Can’t we possibly shut it out ? ” 
said Alison the sensible, laying a restraining 
hand on her brother’s arm, as he was preparing 
to tunnel into the soft yielding mass. 

Don’t, Dick, you’ll only bring it in. It must 
be awfully deep. I wonder where we are.” 

^^I’ll tell you,” he said suddenly. We’re 
in Marshmead cutting. The snow must have 
drifted in. I wonder why the air stays all 
right.” 

Oh, snow is full of air,” said Alison. Don’t 
you remember old Brewer’s sheep ? ” 

What did they do ? ” enquired Audrey. 

They were snowed up for a week,” explained 
Dick, and lots of them were alive. He said 
they were in a great hollow cavern, with the 
roof all yellow with their breath, and where they 
had licked it. But they breathed all right.” 

That’s a good thing,” said Audrey in a 
relieved voice. I was beginning to wonder if 
we should suffocate first, or starve.” 


4 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Well, you do take a cheerful view of things/' 
said Dick sardonically. I shall know where to 
go when I want cheering up.’’ 

I’ll cheer you/’ said Audrey, knitting a pair 
of comical eyebrows, and looking serious. They 
afterwards found this was her way, and that her 
most paradoxical remarks were accompanied by 
an expression of solemnity that would have done 
credit to an owl. 

But they were comparative strangers as yet, 
having only fraternised in the train, which was 
carrying Audrey from a loved school to an un- 
loved home, and the two Dorincourt children 
back from a visit to an aunt, a few miles away, 
to their own place, close to where the accident 
had occurred. 

For a few moments nobody said anything, 
then Dick remarked, 

wonder if there is anybody next door. 
I’m going to knock the prisoners’ code and 
see.” 

^^Do you know it?” asked Audrey. 

Lor’, yes, it’s all in Gaboriau,” he answered, 
beginning to tap. 

But no response was elicited from either side, 
and they seemed to be completely isolated from 
the world. 


NEW FRIENDS 


5 


That’s the worst of travelling first class/’ 
said Audrey. Now a nice cheerful third would 
have been .much more sociable.” 

Aunt Honor thinks we ought to travel first 
on our own line/’ explained Alison apologetically. 
“She always makes us. But I think third’s 
more amusing, myself, for a short way.” 

“I bar the babies,” said Dick. “And it’s 
jolly hard on the Company, the way everybody 
goes third now. Father’s a Director, and he 
growls like anything about it.” 

“ Miss Fenwick made me,” said Audrey. “ She 
thinks it^s unsafe for so attractive a young person 
to travel third, unless accompanied by a maid.” 

Alison glanced at her, but not a twinkle dis- 
turbed Audrey’s countenance, though Dick went 
off into a fit of laughter, recognising a kindred 
spirit. 

“ Awf’lly awkward, being so attractive ? ” he 
enquired. 

“ You try and see,” returned Audrey gravely. 

“What’s the time?” enquired Alison. “My 
watch is slow.” 

“Mine’s all right,” said Dick. “I set it at 
Swindon. It’s about four. I say, we were due 
in at 3.50. I wonder if the accident is known 
of by now.” 


6 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I’m afraid mother will be frightened/’ sighed 
Alison. 

^^Are there any more of you?” asked 
Audrey. 

Rather/’ said Dick. There’s Gerard, the 
eldest, an awful swell. Then there’s Marjorie. 
She’s out, and has lots of young men.” 

Dick 1 ” said Alison. 

^^And then there’s Alison and me, and two 
more girls, what’s their names, Alison ? ” 

Idiot,” remarked Alison. Honor, and 
Patricia, and Roger the youngest. Quite a 
lamb.” 

What a jolly party,” said i^udrey, rather 
enviously. Then it wouldn’t matter so much.” 

What wouldn’t matter ? ” asked Alison. 

‘^1 only mean that your mother would have 
somebody to fall back upon, if you never got 
out.” 

Jolly idea,” said Dick. ^^But this is a bit 
dull, isn’t it ? Let’s eat something, to keep us 
quiet.” 

There isn’t much left to eat,” observed 
Alison. Only some biscuits, and stale sand- 
wiches. I kept them to give to the steam 
chuck.” 

“ What’s that ? ” enquired Audrey. 


NEW FRIENDS 7 

Family name for the engine driver/' replied 
Dick. “ Don’t know why, so don’t ask me.” 

I’ve got some chocolate,” said Audrey. 

And some milk if it isn’t sour. I’m more cold 
than hungry, myself.” 

I’m rather cold too,” agreed Alison. “ Let’s 
do some Swedish exercises.” 

So they stamped up and down a little, and 
swung their arms, till the circulation was restored, 
when Dick again proposed some grub.” 

Better wait,” said Alison. We may want 
it more later.” 

^^I’ve heard of people being snowed up for 
days,” said Dick. There ! I got it out before 
you did. I say, you might tell us your name. 
I don’t know how to talk to you.” 

I haven’t observed much difficulty ,” remarked 
Audrey. ^^But there’s no mystery about me. 
My name’s Audrey Denver. I’m an orphan, and 
I live with an uncle and aunt in Brixton.” 

^^,0h ! ” said Alison, vaguely disappointed, she 
hardly knew why. 

We’re not a bit interesting people,” she went 
on. “ At least the others aren’t. There’s Monica, 
and Laura, and Alfred. They’re all grown up, 
and not particularly fond of me. All except 
poor Auntie, who has a horrid time with us alL 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Uncle John’s a chartered accountant. I go to 
school, thank goodness, and I love it, if it wasn’t 
for the holidays.” 

^^How funny that sounds,” remarked Alison. 

We all simply live for the holidays, at home.” 

I suppose you have no end of a good time,” 
said Audrey, rather wistfully. 

‘‘1 should jolly well think so,” said Dick, 
cheerfully. We hunt and shoot these holidays, 
or skate and toboggan, and we have a ripping 
dance on Boxing Day. It^s fancy dress this 
year. But in the summer we cricket and fish, 
and go picnics, and sleep out in the woods. 
And ’pon my word, I don’t know which I like 
the best.” 

It wouldn’t amuse you if I told you how I 
spent my holidays,” observed Audrey, ^^any 
more than it does me to do it. But term begins 
again on January 23rd, and that’s something.” 

“ Look here ! ” exclaimed Dick suddenly. I 
really do believe I hear something at last. 
Wasn’t that a shout? Hallo! Hallo!” he called. 

This way.” 

The sound of picks and shovels was heard, 
and excited voices, and heavy footsteps over 
their heads, as apparently the roof of the carriage 
was cleared of snow. Then a pair of corduroy 


NEW FRIENDS 


9 


legs appeared, kicking down along the window 
top, and Dick seized one and shook it heartily in 
his relief. The legs disappeared, and spades and 
pickaxes took their place, clearing away the snow 
from above, till the light of a lantern shone into 
the dark interior, and a red-faced man lowered 
himseK to their level. 

Oh, Harding,’' cried Alison, I am glad to see 
you. We thought we should be here all night.” 

Why, it’s Lady AHson, and Mr. Dick. 
Deary me, how pleased his lordship will be. 
He’s here in a terrible taking about you surely. 
Are you all right, m’lady ? ” 

Rather,’*’ said Dick. Only jolly hungry. 
Tell him we’re here, will you. At least let me 
out. I’ll tell him.” 

^^Best wait till we’ve cleared the door, sir. 
You’ll get wet through,” said Harding. 

But needless to say Dick paid no heed, but 
struggled through the broken pane, and upwards, 
till his legs also disappeared from view. 

The girls only had a few moments more to 
wait, for scores of willing workers soon cleared a 
passage to the door, and a lean brown man in a 
fur coat had Alison in his arms, half laughing 
and half crying, for the strain had been more 
than she had quite realised. 


10 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Audrey stood back, a little embarrassed and 
lonely, but Alison quickly disengaged herself, 
and turning to her, took her hand and said 
simply. 

Father, this is Miss Audrey Denver. Audrey, 
this is my father. Lord Heversham.” 

Audrey shook hands rather shyly, but looked 
up frankly when he said in a kind voice. 

Were you going much further, Miss Denver? ’’ 

^^Only to London,” she said. suppose 

there is a train on.” 

^^I’m afraid not,” he replied. ^^The line is 
completely blocked, and there are two more 
trains waiting behind this one. I’m afraid you 
can’t get on tonight.” 

Oh, dear,” she exclaimed. Can I tele- 
graph ? ” 

I believe the lines are down. But we may 
be able to telephone from home,” he replied. 

She must come home with us, mustn’t she. 
Dad,” said Alison, and Dick, running up, covered 
with snow, and scarlet with digging, so heartily 
backed the invitation, that Audrey soon found 
herself in a big comfortable motor, with a hot 
water tin, and a fur rug, having shown her lug- 
gage to a fine footman, the guard’s van having 
been excavated. 


NEW FRIENDS 


11 


Lucky you broke down so near the level 
crossing/’ said Lord Heversham. The snow 
must be many feet deep on the fields.” 

Is mother anxious? ” asked Alison. 

Well, we will put her mind at rest in a very 
few minutes now,” replied her father. ^^We 
had sent the motor to meet you, and it came 
back to tell us that the train was snowed up 
in Marshmead cutting, and so I came down 
in it, and brought it round here. Fortunately 
it’s so near the town that nobody else is 
stranded.” 

Clever of us to get snowed up so near home,” 
observed Dick. I shall be glad of my dinner, 
I know that.” 

Presently the motor turned in at a grand 
entrance gate, with heraldic beasts on the posts. 
There was a clear moon, shining on the snow, and 
Audrey observed a wide and beautiful prospect 
of undulating park, with glimpses of a distant 
lake, and many fine trees, bare and leafless 
now. The motor swept noiselessly round a broad 
curve, and drew up before a wide flight of steps. 
A brilliantly lighted hall, with double doors 
hospitably open, almost dazzled Audrey’s eyes, 
and she was dimly conscious of a beautiful and 
gracious lady, in black velvet, with sparks of fire 


12 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


in her hair, who took her cold hand, and drew 
her towards a blazing fire of huge logs. 

There seemed a bewildering crowd of children 
jumping round everybody, and a perfect babel of 
voices, as the accident was discussed and explained 
from every point of view. 

Then Lady Heversham led the way upstairs 
to a cosy bedroom, with another bright fire, 
lighting up the warm red carpet and chintz- 
covered furniture. A cheerful looking young 
maid was already unpacking Audrey’s box, and 
Alison came in, full of hospitality, to explain 
that she lived next door, and that Audrey was in 
the girls’ spare room, always kept for her special 
visitors. 

Audrey, though rather abashed by the unex- 
pected splendour of her surroundings, was not 
shy, and there was something about the simple 
friendliness and well-bred ease of her new friends 
which gave her a feeling of welcome, such as she 
had never felt in her uncle’s shabby villa in 
Brixton. 

Luckily Audrey had a good school outfit, and 
was in the habit of dressing for dinner at Miss 
Fenwick’s, so the maid laid out a pretty blue 
muslin, with accompanying hair ribbons, and 
Audrey dressed, feeling that she was equal to the 


NEW FRIENDS 


13 


occasion, though, to do her justice, it would not 
have troubled her unduly if it had not been so. 
She was given to taking life with philosophy, a 
gift which had been often useful to her. 

As the big gong roared its summons to dinner, 
Alison, in a fresh white muslin, came in to escort 
her downstairs, and the two girls passed down 
the wide slippery oak staircase, Alison stepping 
confidently with the ease of long habit, and 
Audrey more cautiously, with one hand on the 
carved balustrade. 


CHAPTER II 

A STATELY HOME 

“ Though few the days, the happy evenings few, 

So warm with heart, so rich with mind they flew, 

That my full heart forgot its wish to roam 
And rested there as in a dream at home.” 

Thomas Moore. 

Audkey felt a sudden access of shyness as a 
magnificent footman threw open the folding 
doors, and a blaze of light greeted them, with 
apparently half the inhabitants of the globe 
assembled to look at them. 

They were not the last down, so she slipped 
into a chair, and tried to make out who every- 
body was. 

Lord Heversham she knew, and standing on 
the hearthrug was a younger edition of him, who 
was evidently Gerard.” 

Taller, slighter, and younger, he had his 
father’s keen hawk-like profile, and sunburnt 
complexion, with a half sad, half merry look in 
14 


A STATELY HOME 


15 


his dark grey eyes that arrested her attention. 
He looked nice/’ she thought. 

Next she saw Dick, his crisp red curls still 
splashed with water, and his white tie under his 
left ear. Then a lovely vision caught her eye, a 
radiant damsel in shimmering satin and pearls, 
with a small proud head and golden brown eyes 
shaded with long dark lashes. 

The perfection of her grace and beauty made 
Audrey feel like a raw little schoolgirl, and 
profoundly conscious of her short skirts and 
washed muslin frock. 

Two little pale-faced maidens, with long fair 
hair flying loose, were clinging round Alison, 
who had subsided on to the big white hearthrug, 
and just then Lady Heversham came hurriedly 
in, fastening her bracelet, with a word of apology 
to the assembled family. 

Lord Heversham glanced round, and saying 

Are we all here ? Gerard, you must take in 
Miss Denver,” slipped his arm into his wife’s, and 
led the way, followed by Gerard and his partner 
with more decorum, and at their heels, a motley 
rout.” 

^^We are only a family party here tonight,” 
he said pleasantly to Audrey, ^^so you must 
excuse our shocking manners.” 


16 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She imirmured something, and tried to feel 
cool and ordinary. But the great splendid hall, 
with the banners, torn and faded, hanging from 
the walls, the musicians’ gallery, the carved 
ceiling, the marble pillars, and the imposing 
row of men servants drawn up in line, rather 
took her breath away. 

Gerard, however, continued to converse agree- 
ably and continuously. ^^We have got quite a 
long walk,” he said, ‘^so you needn’t bother to 
think of a remark yet. We are going through 
the banqueting hall, till we reach the cedar 
parlom, where we always dine when we are 
alone. Charles II. always used to play cards 
there when he was here. Before my time.” 

Charles II.” she repeated with interest. 

Ah, you’ve heard of him. What a thing 
this modern education is. Pity he cquldn’t 
keep his head, wasn’t it ? Dear me, he did, did 
he ? You see it’s some years since I was at 
school. Here we are, and there’s my father 
beckoning to you to come next to him. You 
needn’t be alarmed, he’s quiet with strangers. 
I’ve hardly ever known him bite.” 

Audrey’s smile had not faded as she took her 
place, and Lord Heversham glanced at her again. 
He saw a thin unformed schoolgirl, with a bright 


A STATELY HOME 


17 


intelligent countenance, a graceful turn of the 
head and neck, and something familiar in her 
expression, which caught his attention, he hardly 
knew why. 

He entered into conversation with her, as if 
she were one of his own girls, and Audrey found 
herself at her ease with him at once. 

sent off the telephone message for you,” 
he said. I explained that the train had been 
stopped by the snow, and that you were quite 
well, and staying with us. I hope your people 
won’t be anxious about you.” 

Oh no, I’m sure they won’t be,” she said. 
They’re not particularly fond of me, I think. 
But I didn’t want Aunt Edwina to worry. She 
isn’t very strong, and things fret her.” 

She paused, and then added shyly. ^^It is 
most awfully good of you to take me in like 
this. I don’t quite know what I should have 
done. I hadn’t enough money to go to a 
hotel.” 

Only too delighted,” he said courteously, 
to be of any use to you. So glad the children 
happened to meet you. But tell me, who are 
your people ? You remind me so much of some- 
body, I can’t tell who.” 

Audrey repeated the information she had 


18 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


already given in the train, but he could make 
nothing of it. 

Your uncle’s name is John Baxter,” he said, 
and his wife’s sister married your father, Hugh 
Denver, who died before you were born, and 
then your mother brought you to live with her 
people. Strange, how familiar your face seems. 
One of those puzzling recollections that elude 
one. Never mind. Do you feel any the worse 
for your adventure ? ” 

Audrey assured him that all was well with 
her, and addressed herself to a very delicious 
oyster patty. 

Presently her other neighbour spoke again, 
in the melancholy tone that seemed habitual to 
him. 

Aren’t you going to ask me if I’ve seen the 
Academy ? ” he enquired. 

Why no,” said Audrey. In December ? ” 

Oh dear ! ” he said. If you’re only going to 
talk sense, I’m afraid we shall soon come to an 
end of our conversation. But I suppose you are 
too young to do anything else. But we never 
do here in the holidays, even the youngest of us. 
It’s the family rule.” 

But I don’t belong to the family,” Audrey 
retorted, so I can talk sense if I like.” 


A STATELY HOME 


19 


How true, how clever,” he murmured. W on’t 
you have some saddle of mutton. I’m afraid 
Hawkins’ arm must ache with offering it.” 

I’m so sorry,” said Audrey. But I don’t 
think I can eat any more.” 

Then talk to me while I eat,” he said. I 
think people ought to take alternate courses, 
don’t you ? While I was having soup, you could 
converse on social topics. As you trifled with the 
salmon, I might cautiously venture upon sport, 
and ascertain your views. Then with the entree, 
you might begin on politics. I should of course 
plunge into Tariff Reform with the meat, and 
discuss the question of free food. Then you 
might take a turn at flying machines while the 
sweets went round, and I could gracefully wind 
up with — I don’t know what on earth we’ve got 
left to talk about.” 

Our noble selves, perhaps,” suggested Audrey 
laughing. She felt quite at home with this 
foolish young man, and had forgotten her alarm. 

Quite so,” he said. Let’s begin at once. 
Now what was it that frightened you the most 
when you came in this evening. Your eyes were 
like saucers. Now they’re more like — eyes.” 

I think that great tall footman,’’ said Audrey 
confidentially. And the white hearthrug.” 


20 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


He shall receive a month’s notice/’ Gerard 
assured her, ^^and the hearthrug shall be dyed 
green. So you were not frightened at any of us. 
Pat is considered rather an alarming person. 
I’m a bit shy of her myself. But women are 
much braver than men, I am assured by my 
dentist.” 

“ Which is Pat ? ” said Audrey, looking round 
the table. 

Oh she doesn’t dine down. She and Honor 
are herded off to bed at 8.30. She is the 
smallest of the two kids, with the most turned- 
up nose.’’ 

Isn’t there another little one ? ” said Audrey. 

I thought your sister said you were seven.’’ 

I think I won’t tell you tonight,” he answered. 

Tomorrow, after a good sleep, you may be more 
equal to the calculation. Dear me, there’s my 
mother trying to catch your eye. We’ll talk 
about me when next we meet. Au re voir.” 

When the ladies found themselves in the 
drawing-room Alison tucked Audrey’s arm in her 
own, and led her up to the radiant vision in 
white. Marjorie,” she said, ^^you haven’t 
had a word with Audrey yet. She’ll think 
you’re afraid of her ! ” 

Lady Marjorie smilingly made room for Audrey 


A STATELY HOME 


21 


beside her, and she bashfully sat down. She felt 
a sort of adoration growing up in her heart for 
this sweet and gracious young girl, and ventured 
to touch a fold of the white satin gown with a 
hesitating finger, longing to think of something 
really clever and charming to say, but remaining 
tongue-tied. 

‘‘ I saw you getting on like anything at dinner 
with Gerard,” Marjorie said. What a chatter- 
box he is. I expect you are quite tired.” 

I didn’t talk much,” replied Audrey. He 
did it all, and I only laughed.” 

He is ^ a little bit off the top,’ as Dick says, 
sometimes,” observed Marjorie. “ But we all do 
it, the first night of the holidays.” 

^^This isn’t really the first night,” put in 
Ahson. Dick left Eton three days ago, but he 
had to go to Aunt Honor’s, and I had to meet 
him there, so we only got back to-night.” 

Tell me how you got on there,” said Marjorie, 
unfurling a big white feather fan between her 
lovely face and the leaping wood fire. Audrey, 
watching her, felt her pulses beat with the sudden 
strong infatuation of the imaginative young girl, 
so often inspired by an older woman. She 
sighed for pure pleasure, and stroked the satin 
fold, as the sisters talked together. 


22 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Comfy ? ’’ asked Marjorie, and Alison pushed 
a soft silk cushion behind her guest’s shoulders. 

“ I should think so,” said Audrey. I should 
think Heaven must be something like this. Why 
are you all so awfully kind to me ? ” 

There was a sudden intensity of feeling in her 
voice, which touched the elder girl. It was the 
tone of one to whom happiness was a surprise, a 
sad inflection in a child’s voice, and Marjorie 
seemed to understand. 

She patted the thin brown hand that caressed 
her dress, and said softly, 

think it is because we are all so happy 
ourselves, it comes natural to wish everybody 
else to be so too. And you are a dear child, you 
know.” 

Audrey might have resented the imputation 
of childishness from anybody else, but Marjorie 
could do no wrong. To her immense vexation 
tears started to her eyes, but she bit her lips and 
said cheerfully, 

^‘Well, I must make the most of it, for I 
suppose I must go home tomorrow, if the line 
is clear. Oh dear,” and she ended with an 
irrepressible sigh. 

don’t see why you need go tomorrow,” 
said Marjorie. ^^If your uncle and aunt have 


A STATELY HOME 


23 


all their own children, and if they wouldn’t 
mind your staying on here, why shouldn’t 
you ? ” 

Audrey gave a gasp. “ Do you really think I 
could stay on,” she said. It would be simply 
too glorious.” 

I’ll ask Mother,” said Alison. Anyhow, 
Father thought the line would take twenty-four 
hours to clear, and it’s snowing again like 
anything now. Oh you’d much better stay and 
spend Christmas with us. Christmas in London 
is never the same thing.” 

^^But have you room for me?” enquired 
Audrey. 

My dear, I believe there are seventy bed- 
rooms here,” said Marjorie, laughing. I don’t 
know how many you like, but it’s not easy to 
get overcrowded.” 

Seventy bedrooms ! ” repeated Audrey. Her 
capacity for astonishment was nearly exhausted. 

Why, however many housemaids do you 
want ? ” 

I don’t exactly know,” said Marjorie. Do 
you know, Alison ? ” 

Eighteen, I think,” said Alison. ^^Mrs. 
Carpenter says it isn’t enough to keep the 
place decent.” 


24 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^^Oh, Mrs. Carpenter always grumbles/’ said 
Marjorie. But I ask her if she’s heard lately 
from her sailor son, and then she forgets all her 
tantrums, and becomes quite sweet. Mother 
always sends me to talk to her now.” 

By the way,” Alison said suddenly, what 
will you do for a fancy dress, Audrey. Have 
you got anything ? ” 

Audrey shook her head, and Marjorie said. 
We’ll hunt out the dressing-up box, and find 
her something. I believe I know the very 
thing.” 

Here come the boys,” said Ahson. I’ll go 
and catch Mother, and arrange it.” And off she 
went, leaving Audrey in a sort of maze of 
happiness. 

She looked round the beautiful room. The 
walls were panelled with white wood, and carved 
with wreaths and festoons of flowers and fruit in 
high relief. The electric lights were covered 
with white silk shades, and a few exquisite water- 
colours hung here and there. The soft green 
pile carpet, the delicate flowered chintzes, the 
big vases of russet and gold chrysanthemums, 
the grand piano standing invitingly open, the 
group of animated, graceful young people clus- 
tered near the fire, made the most complete 


A STATELY HOME 


25 


contrast to her aunt’s pretentious drawing-room 
in Myrtle Road, Brixton. 

Audrey closed her eyes and recalled its staring 
gold and drab wallpaper, the green rep curtains 
and chairs with red woolly antimacassars in 
winter, and coarse imitation lace in summer. 
The crudely coloured oilcloth on the floor with a 
few cheap Japanese mats on it. The vases of dried 
grasses dyed in vivid colours, on the brown 
marble mantelpiece, the stained glass in the 
upper panels of the windows, the marble and 
gold clock. The fusty smell of stale tobacco and 
seldom opened windows, the soiled lace curtains, 
the general atmosphere of tasteless discomfort, 
rose before her so clearly, that she shuddered 
and put out her hand to assure herself by the 
sense of touch that she was not dreaming. 

Then Alison came back with a bright face and 
Lady Heversham’s invitation, and Audrey felt 
that earth could hold no higher bliss for her. 

Then Dick appeared to make them all join 
in a round game, which lasted till his mother, 
declaring the travellers needed a good night, 
sent them all off to bed. 


CHAPTER III 
WINTER SPORTS 

“With feathery wreaths the forest is bound, 

And the hills are with glittering diadems crowned; 

’Tis the fairest scene we can have below, 

Sing welcome, then, to the drifting snow.” 

Eliza Cook. 

The next day was Christmas Eve. When Audrey 
came down she found the great house hung with 
wreaths of evergreens, and full of the cheerful 
bustle of preparation. 

Alison took her into the schoolroom after 
breakfast, and she joined the two little girls in 
making the decorations for the pulpit, which 
were to be taken down to the church later on. 
As her quick fingers twined the holly and ivy 
together, she listened to the merry, informal 
talk round her with a feeling that she had never 
truly been at home before. 

Marjorie and Alison were busy tying up 
muslin bags of sweets with bright ribbon for 
26 


WINTER SPORTS 


27 


the tenants’ Christmas tree, and their talk was 
mostly of parish matters, their personal acquaint- 
ance with all the labourers and workmen on 
the place seeming to be exhaustive. Presently 
Audrey asked how many were invited, and was 
told about three hundred. 

How can you remember them all so well ? ” 
she said. “ I am sure I should forget half the 
names.” 

“ Ah, but you see we have known them for 
about fifteen years now,” said Alison, and all 
the boys go to Marjorie’s Bible class, and I have 
the girls, and the rabbits have the babies.” 

Who have the babies ? ” enquired Audrey. 

Oh, Honor and Pat are the rabbits,” ex- 
plained Alison, and we take turns to give out 
the library books, and Father makes our boys 
go down to the club, and they play cricket and 
football altogether, so of course we know them 
all awfully well.” 

‘^1 see,” said Audrey. ^^But why did you 
say fifteen years? Haven’t you always lived 
here ? ” 

No,” said Marjorie. Father succeeded 
rather unexpectedly. I remember quite well 
coming here, and how big it all seemed, and 
how small I felt.” 


28 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I was only a baby/’ said Alison^ ‘‘ and Dick 
and the rabbits and Roger weren’t born.” 

I’ve often thought it would be very jolly to 
be called ^ my lady/ ” remarked Audrey. I 
used even to dream about it, and wake up so 
disappointed to be only a plain Miss. Do you 
know it was an awful shock to me to find out 
who you all were. Dick and Alison hadn’t 
given me the slightest warning. I don’t believe 
I’ve ever spoken to anybody with a title, in my 
life, and here you all are, as common as black- 
berries.” 

I did enjoy it at first,” said Marjorie. I 
was about six, and I remember slapping my 
nurse, because she kept forgetting, and calling 
me Miss Marjorie. At last she said, ^Fie, fie. 
Ladyships don’t slap,’ and it came to me with 
quite a new idea. But all these young ones were 
born in the purple,- so to speak, and I believe 
they thought everybody else was spoken to in the 
same way. It just came in time to enter Gerard 
for Eton, instead of a smaller school. But we 
weren’t quite sure for a long time, you see.” 

Why was that? ” asked Audrey, interested. 

Well,” said Marjorie, rather slowly, I 
suppose there’s no secret about it now. But 
there was a sad family trouble. My father was 


WINTER SPORTS 


29 


the nephew of the last Lord Heversham, who 
had a much younger brother, a half brother, who 
would have come in first, as Father was only the 
son of a still younger sister. But there was 
some dreadful quarrel between the brothers, 
over a girl they both wanted to marry, I believe, 
and poor Uncle Hugh struck Uncle Heversham, 
and nearly killed him.’^ 

How dreadful,” exclaimed Audrey. 

Yes, and we think he believed he had killed 
him, for he disappeared on that day, and ran 
away, nobody knew where to. Then we heard 
he was dead, abroad somewhere, just after Uncle 
Heversham had died, and then my grandmother 
succeeded, and only lived a few months, and 
then my father.” 

How can a lady succeed to a peerage ? ” 
enquired Audrey with puzzled eyebrows. 

Some of the older peerages go in the female 
line,” said Marjorie. Ours does, but of course 
the boys come first, and their children.” 

I never knew that,” said Audrey. I'm 
learning all sorts of things.” 

Everybody tried to find Uncle Hugh for 
ever so long, and Father never felt quite happy 
about it, but his death seemed quite certain, and 
as he had not left any son or daughter to 


30 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


succeed him, and so long a time has gone past 
now, we are quite settled down.” 

“ Why wasn’t he happy ? ” asked Audrey. 

Well, he wasn’t sure the report of his death 
was well authenticated. He was found lying 
desperately ill, and quite delirious, in a cottage 
somewhere in Canada, I believe. The people 
there didn’t know anything about him, or who 
he was. He had been brought in badly crushed 
from some rocks having fallen upon him. Some 
other Englishman was out there, and helped to 
nurse him. He kept on calling out about Dorin- 
court in his delirium, and at last had a sort of 
lucid interval. This Englishman asked him his 
name, and he said ^ Hugh Dorincourt,’ and gave 
this address to write to. When he was dead 
they found a letter addressed to Lady Heversham, 
and sent it home. It had his photo and the 
girl’s in it. So it must have been him. Poor 
Uncle Hugh.” 

There was a little silence. Audrey was 
turning over the sad story in her mind, and 
nobody spoke for a few moments. 

Then a sudden diversion was caused by the 
bustling entrance of Orpheus, an extremely 
doubtful Aberdeen with white spats, who owned 
Gerard, and bestowed on him a slavish devotion. 


WINTER SPORTS 


31 


He spent the greater part of his life apologising 
for his existence, and getting under people’s 
feet. He was of a conversational habit, and was 
shrewdly suspected not to have as low an opinion 
of himself as his servile manners indicated. 

He was followed by his master, who strayed in 
casually, emptied a bag of sweets, tied the two 
little sisters’ fair manes together, and seated him- 
self on a corner of the table, where Audrey was 
busy wreath making. 

I like to see the young engaged in works of 
charity,” he observed. But I am told that the 
snow is fit for tobogganing down the long field, 
and though of course you would rather provide 
nourishment for the poor, or becoming decora- 
tions for Mr. Whatshisname’s pulpit, I thought 
it would be good for you to sacrifice your inclina- 
tions upon the altar of sisterly duty.” 

^^But why are you at home, you silly boy?” 
said Marjorie. 

Because the snow is six feet deep in places, 
and the motor has struck. My aeroplane is out 
of order, and so I had to come up here. What’s 
the matter, rabbits ? Why do you wear your 
hair so? Is that the latest? I should have 
thought it awkward to carry your sister attached 
to your pigtail, but tastes differ.” 


32 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Oh Gerard, don’t be a plague. Do let us go 
and get our snowboots on. I’ll pay you out 
some day,” said Pat. 

'^When my hair’s grown long enough, I 
suppose. Oh thank you. Miss Denver. I’m 
sorry my little sisters should give you so much 
trouble.” 

The two little girls ran off, and Marjorie, 
shaking the loose scraps of silk and muslin from 
her skirt, rose and said. 

Couldn’t we rig up a sleigh, Gerard? There 
hasn’t been such a chance for years.” 

“ I’ve been interviewing Wright on that 
subject,” he said. The old chap said bitterly, 
^ I dessay her ladyship would let you have the 
yellow barouche, or his Lordship’s phaeton taken 
off the wheels. It’s little use they’ll ever be 
again, with these — motors.’ ” 

“ Poor old Wright,” said Alison. But what 
did you do about it ? ” 

I found a capital fourwheeled early Victorian 
kind of pony carriage, and had it sent down 
to the blacksmith’s to get runners put on. I 
suppose by then the snow will have vanished. 
But it will keep him out of mischief for a bit. 
But why do you stand chattering here. If 
you three are coming, you’d better get ready.” 


WINTER SPORTS 


33 


Audrey had to borrow woollen gloves and to 
put a pair of Dick’s shooting stockings over her 
boots, for her Brixton experiences had not 
included this sport. 

As she and Alison ran over the frozen snow, 
sparkling in the clear winter sunshine, she looked 
back at the stately old house, standing against a 
background of solemn fir trees. 

It reflected the sunlight from a hundred 
windows, and with the wide vistas of the park 
stretching away on every side, the smoke rising 
from its twisted chimneys, suggestive of warm 
hearts within it bore a general aspect of de- 
corous luxury and peaceful comfort, which, 
oddly enough, sent a little pang through Audrey’s 
heart. 

All this is theirs, and what have they done 
to deserve it? Why should some people have 
such beautiful lives, and others such ugly sordid 
ones ? ” 

Ah, Audrey, that old, old question, never to 
be answered till the day breaks and the shadows 
flee away. 

But all discontented imaginings fled when they 
came in sight of the toboggan slide. 

A merry group stood at the summit, among 
them Dick in his glory, and little Roger 


34 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


following him like a shadow, on sturdy six 
year old legs, encased in warm gaiters, and clad 
in a thick reefer coat and red Tam o' Shanter 
cap. 

He was a jolly little boy, round faced, curly 
haired, and roguish. 

He pulled off his cap at a hint from Dick, and 
came forward with a rosy upturned face to greet 
the stranger. 

What good manners they all have," she 
thought. What a perfect lamb. I should love 
to kiss him. But I suppose he would hate it." 

Then the toboggan flew off, with Dick upside 
down upon it and a shrieking rabbit at each end, 
and ended a somewhat delirious course by a 
magnificent plunge into a snowdrift, to the joy 
of the audience. 

Then another group appeared tugging a second 
toboggan behind them, to be greeted with shouts 
of welcome. 

“ The Adairs, oh first rate, now we Ve got 
two," said Alison, and a tall boy, and two girls 
in blue serge and blue cowboy hats, were intro- 
duced as Harold, Lilian, and Sybil Adair. 

Oh my ! we’re hot,” said Harold. It^s no 
joke pulling a beastly toboggan over the snow 
for two miles. But this is the only decent 


WINTER SPORTS 


35 


course in the country, and we thought you would 
let us leave it here.’' 

So Audrey was quickly initiated, and the time 
flew by, until servants appeared with hampers, 
from which issued hot pasties, baked potatoes, 
and roasted apples, with mulled drinks in 
Thermos flasks, and the party devoured an al 
fresco lunch. 

^^Such a pity to waste time by going in to 
feed,” was the universal opinion. 

But the brightness of the day was soon past, 
and the little ones tired, so the happy company 
trooped back to the castle, ready for tea, and 
glowing with health and exercise. 

A tall, grave young man had appeared, who 
seemed to be unable to keep his eyes from 
Marjorie, and was hailed with cries of “ Robin, 
Robin Adair.” Audrey recognised him as one of 
the many adorers, so disrespectfully referred to 
by Dick in the train. And who can wonder ? ” 
she thought in her enthusiasm. Marjorie, in 
her sable cap and coat, with a bunch of fresh 
violets tucked in front, her fair face flushed, and 
her eyes sparkling, was indeed pretty enough to 
turn any young man’s head. 

Alison looked very bonny in her neat brown 
coat and skirt, the same material as Marjorie’s, 


36 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


only minus the sables, and with a red cap, like 
little Roger’s. But her round honest face, and 
steady eyes, could lay no claim to her sister’s 
beauty. Gerard had gone in earlier, ^Ho do 
sums,” as he said, and Dick and Harold were 
deep in talk. Audrey watched them all with 
a kind of wistful admiration, and though half 
envious, was able to rejoice generously in their 
bright unconscious happiness, and joy in life, 
which should belong to all young things. 


CHAPTER IV 

AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 

“ The mistletoe hung in the castle hall 
And the holly branch shone on the old oak wall.” 

Haynes Bayley. 

Meanwhile Lord and Lady Heversham were 
enjoying an unaccustomed tete-h-tete in the 
untidy room known as His Lordship’s den/’ 
where everything was shabby, old fashioned, and 
comfortable, and the scent of tobacco rested like 
a benison in the air. 

“ That’s a nice little girl the children have 
picked up,” he said, knocking the ashes off his 
cigarette. 

‘^Yes, luckily,” she said. ^^It is rather 
risky making chance acquaintances, but we 
couldn’t have prevented it. I think her a 
very well mannered child, and it is rather 
wonderful, considering her own account of her 
people.” 


37 


38 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She goes to a first rate school, I understand, 
and does it credit, I should say,” said he. 

She has a well-bred look,” continued his 
wife, and Marjorie tells me has nice ideas and 
principles. She behaved well when she was 
suddenly cast in among us all without warning. 
It must have been something of an ordeal, poor 
child.” 

Well, she is quite at home with us all now,” 
said Lord Heversham. Look at them all 
coming up the drive. I see the young Adairs 
are with them, and of course our friend Robin.” 

“ Poor Robin,” she said, half smiling. I 
hope he won’t burn his fingers too severely.” 

Well, he isn’t the first, and it never hurts a 
young fellow to fall in love with a good girl. 
But our Marjorie is a sad heart breaker, for all 
her goodness.” 

Just then Dick’s red head appeared at the 
door, saying, 

“ Mother, we want to have schoolroom tea all 
together. Do you mind ? ” 

Delighted to be rid of you,” replied his 
father. Mother and I will have a holiday.” 

So a most riotous party sat down to a hearty 
meal in the big schoolroom, where Dick said he 
could eat twice as much as in the hall. 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 39 


Audrey found herself between Gerard and 
little Roger, and was well pleased. The motherly 
instinct was strong in her, and she saw that 
the small boy had the most tempting cakes 
within his reach, and did not drop too much jam 
on to the tablecloth, without appearing to inter- 
fere unduly with his liberty of action. 

Presently Gerard said in his depressed way. 
Do you admire blackberry jam worn in a streak 
across the chin ? ’' 

I shouldn’t venture to remove it,” she 
answered smiling. “ He is much too indepen- 
dent. Time enough when he gets back to the 
nursery.” 

And probably gets a slap from his nurse for 
it. I think such kindness is only disguised 
cruelty. Are you always so careful of people’s 
susceptibilities ? ” 

I’m never always anything,” she retorted. 

Gerard clasped his brow. Wait a moment,” 
he said. ^^Let me think. What is the exact 
meaning of that sentence ? ” 

If you don’t understand,” she said, it would 
be waste of time trying to teach you.” 

^^It seems to me to contain the germ of a 
great truth,” he said. Crudely and awkwardly 
expressed, as might be expected from the age 


40 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


and wisdom of the speaker, but promising, quite 
promising. Are we any of us ever always any- 
thing? I wonder.” 

You are always very foolish, I think,” she 
said, laughing. 

I assure you that you are mistaken,” he 
assured her earnestly. 

‘^Well, time will show,” she said, as she 
accepted a sponge cake offered her by Roger, 
who remarked confidentially. 

When I go to live wiv God, I mean to have 
these every day.” 

Audrey was rather taken aback, but managed 
to answer with gravity, “Are you so very fond 
of sponge cakes ? ” 

“ This sort,” he said. “ I bought these myself 
in an awfly good shop. But I don’t like the sort 
Mary Jenkins makes. They go all soft and fluffy 
in your mouf.” 

“Who is Mary Jenkins?” she said. “Is she 
the cook ? ” 

“ Oh no, the cook’s a gentleman. He wears a 
white cap, and he took me for a drive once.” 

“ Has he got a carriage, then ? ” enquired 
Audrey. 

“ He calls it a trap, but I never saw it catch 
anybody,” Roger explained conscientiously. 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 41 


^^But it’s awfly jolly to go in. And he gave me 
a shell box. He is awfly kind to me.” 

Then who is Mary Jenkins ? ” said Audrey, 
sticking to the point. 

I fink she’s the still room maid,” said Roger. 

She makes cakes and fings. She’s a friend of 
Nanny’s, and I go to tea wiv her sometimes. 
She is awfly kind too. But I like Mounseer 
best.” 

^^Do you call him Mounseer?” asked Audrey. 

Everybody does,” said the small boy, with 
decision. 

I wonder however many servants they have ? ” 
thought Audrey. How stupid Monica and 
Laura will think me if I don’t find out. Fancy 
a cook with a trap of his own.” 

Bloated aristocrats, aren’t we ? ” said Gerard, 
as if he had read her thoughts. But it isn’t a 
bad life for them on the whole, and they are not 
actively unhappy.” 

“ I was wondering how many there were,” said 
Audrey, with simple candour. 

Quite a regiment,” said Gerard. know, 
for I am a friend of the house steward’s. I 
believe there are thirty-five in the house, 
counting the groom of the chambers, who is a 
much greater swell than my father. And to 


42 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


think we could be perfectly comfortable with 
thirty less.” 

Not in this big house/’ she said practically. 

I suppose that’s what matters.” 

How well you put things/’ said G-erard drily. 

But it’s quite true. We don’t matter. But the 
place is a sort of trust. It costs my father 
nearly all it brings in to keep up, and we just 
scrape a bare living out of what’s over.” 

A bare living.” Audrey smiled as she looked 
round the table, but she began to realise how 
little personal advantage the owners of big 
properties get from them, and how much the 
community gain from their existence. 

You haven’t been here on a tourist day yet,” 
resumed Gerard. “ Hordes of barbarians traverse 
our marble halls, escorted by Mrs. Carpenter, 
pointing out the family portraits and other 
historical objects, while we flee before them, 
and crouch panting in dark corners till the 
invasion is past. I expect a nice party on 
Boxing Day.” 

It is very good for them,” said Audrey. I’ve 
never seen a big house myself before, except in 
that way. I always felt much more interested in 
the family’s private rooms than in all the big 
show ones.” 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 43 


That shows a morbid curiosity/' said Gerard 
sadly, which grieves me. Now you can 
sympathise with the poor natives, hunted from 
pillar to post, and not wish to track them into 
their noisome dens.” 

“ I believe I shall join the tourists on Boxing 
Day,” said Audrey. I can’t get a word of sense 
out of you about all the things, and I am sure 
Mrs. Carpenter will be much more satisfying.” 

Let’s both join,” said Gerard. We’ll wear 
each other’s hats, and you shall have a scent 
squirt, and I will carry a ‘ ladies tormentor,’ 
you know the thing that sounds like a long 
tear, when you run it playfully down your 
neighbour’s back, so we shall be even more 
admired.” 

Gerard,” said Marjorie’s clear voice, when 
you’ve quite done prattling, we want to act 
charades.” 

Gerard sighed and rose. Marjorie beckoned 
him, and said, Look here. Gigs, you must look 
after somebody else. You do nothing but jabber 
to Audrey.” 

‘^1 think she finds me rather amusin’,” he 
humbly said, but obediently proceeded to make 
himself agreeable to Lilian Adair, who was 
very shy of him, and only ventured on timid 


44 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


acquiescence with everything he said. But when 
he had got her to agree to the propositions that 
Christmas was often warmer than Midsummer, 
and that the snow was rather too monotonous to 
be artistic, and that if it were a nice scarlet it 
would be more effective, and that lobsters made 
very good pets to keep in your muff, only they 
had better be boiled ones in the winter, he felt 
he had done his duty, and retired to his sums.’' 

Lilian Adair came up to Audrey, and said 
pleasantly, What fun the tobogganing was 
today, wasn’t it ? I do hope the snow will last 
over Christmas.” 

So do I,” replied Audrey. I have never 
had such a good time in my life.” 

“ You were snowed up in the train, weren’t 
you?” asked Lilian. Weren’t you very 
frightened ? ” 

“ Why, no,” said Audrey. What should we 
be frightened about? We were rather hungry 
and rather cold, but I am most awfully glad 
it happened.” 

Didn’t you know the Dorincourts before?” 
asked Lilian. 

“ Dear me, no,” Audrey said. I didn’t know 
any of that sort of people. We live in quite a 
small way at home, you know.” 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 45 


^^Yoii seem to get on very well with Lord 
Windlesham/’ said Lilian. “ I’m horribly afraid 
of him.” 

^^I don’t think I know the gentleman/’ said 
Audrey. 

Why, you were talking to him all teatime/’ 
exclaimed Lilian. 

Audrey opened her eyes. I didn’t know 
that was his name,” she said. I have always 
heard him called Gerard, or ^ Gigs.’ ” 

Shall you be here for the ball ? ” enquired 
Lilian. 

Yes indeed,” replied Audrey, with an ecstatic 
hop of joy. ^‘I’m simply counting the hours. 
I’ve never been to a real ball, much less a fancy 
one, in my life.” 

They only call this a ^ half and half,’ 
explained Lilian. But all the grown-ups 

come to it, and it is simply the greatest 
rag.” 

Audrey was not unaccustomed to slang at 
school, and the meaning of this remark was not 
hard to divine. 

Then the Adairs left, and Lady Heversham 
insisted on a quiet evening, so they had a little 
music, and Dick came out strong in his one comic 
song, coming in in an old skirt of Alison’s, 


46 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


with a big hat with an ostrich feather in it, 
to sing, 

In me ’air I wore a white camelliar, 

And dark blue wos the colour of me eyes. 

And ’e called me ’is little bunch of rowses, 

’Is treasure, and ’is darling, and ’is prize.” 

Alison played on her violin, and Audrey, when 
asked, did her best with a little Grieg on the 
beautiful Bluthner piano, and was immensely 
gratified when Lady Heversham praised her 
touch and feeling. 

They went to bed early, and the next day was 
Christmas Day. 

Breakfast was late, to allow the elders to 
attend the early service, and Audrey, coming in 
alone to the cedar parlour, found quite a pile of 
parcels upon her plate, and heaped on chairs 
round the room were quantities of weird-shaped 
packages addressed to different members of the 
family, and when the party assembled there 
was much joyous guessing and opening, and 
embracing, and a great confusion of paper and 
string. 

Audrey hardly knew how to thank for the 
charming white feather fan from Lord and Lady 
Heversham, the pair of long white gloves from 
Marjorie, the big box of chocolates from the 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 47 


rabbits, the fat velvet mouse pincushion from 
Roger, and the little workcase from Alison. 

Gerard, coming in later, gravely presented her 
with a long parcel, which, when unrolled from 
multitudinous wrappings, disclosed at first a 
monkey on a stick, which on examination proved 
to be wearing a dainty carved ivory thimble as 
a cap ; and Dick’s offering was a blue Bohemian 
glass vase. He presented it rather shamefacedly, 
saying, I don’t know if you like this sort of 
thing. It came from Prague. A chap I know 
went there last holidays. You see there wasn’t 
time to get anything decent.” 

Audrey’s eyes were wet as she shook hands all 
round, and bestowed the long desired kiss on Roger, 
which he endured with dignity and forbearance. 

Then came the joyful Christmas service in the 
pretty village church, all wreathed with ever- 
greens, and the happy simple hymns. 

Audrey sat opposite a brass memorial tablet 
inscribed with the words 

^^Hugh Alured Dorincourt.” 

<^Born May 18, 1860 — Died July 25, 1893.’’ 

The whole church seemed full of Dorincourts 
and Hevershams, from the early brasses of 
the Stuart time, through Georgian and early 


48 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Victorian monstrosities of statuary, to the more 
restrained taste of the present day. The font 
was inscribed to the memory of two infant 
children of Edward fourth Baron Dorincourt, 
1678, the reading desk to Alured first Earl of 
Heversham and Viscount Windlesham, 1710, 
various stained glass windows, more faded 
banners, in the little chancel, recording gallant 
Dor in courts killed in action, statesmen Dorin- 
courts, names well known in history and litera- 
ture, and so forth. 

A fine family record, she thought, and her 
heart swelled with the realisation of what an 
inspiration these traditions must be to the young 
generation growing up among them. 

The day itself passed quietly, reading and 
writing letters, opening and displaying Christmas 
cards, and a distribution of presents among the 
servants. 

Then came the grand Christmas dinner, when 
Mounseer himself carried in the boar’s head, 
followed by quite a procession of white-capped 
assistants, with the turkey, roast beef, and other 
inconsiderable items. 

After which the blazing plum pudding, and 
mountains of mince-pies arrived, the whole con- 
cluding with dessert and many crackers. 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 49 


They dined in the banqueting hall, and looked 
quite inadequate to its stately spaces, though 
spread out as much as possible. A party of 
choir boys, trained by Marjorie, sang carols in 
the musicians’ gallery, and Audrey felt she was 
back in the middle ages, with only the pleas- 
ing anachronisms of electric light and modern 
costume. 

After dinner, Gerard rose and made a graceful 
little speech, proposing the health o£ his father 
and mother, with affectionate allusions to the 
tender love and devotion, which they all felt it 
should be the object of their lives to deserve and 
to return, and expressing in the names of his 
brothers and sisters the loving hopes inspired 
by the season, for their long life, health, and 
happiness. 

The toast was drunk with three times three, 
little Roger, who had been allowed to sit up, 
after being sternly kept in bed all afternoon, 
creating a diversion by standing on the table, 
and putting his foot in a dessert dish, while he 
cheered his shrillest. 

Lord Heversham then read evening prayers in 
the little dim old chapel attached to the house, 
where the imposing row of servants, and the large 
family party, made up quite a fine congregation. 


50 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Truly a memorable Christmas, and one which 
Audrey never forgot. 

The next day, Boxing Day, the threatened 
horde of sightseers arrived, but Gerard took 
Audrey and Alison out sleighing, though the 
snow was showing signs of melting, which was 
another delightful new experience. 

Then came the ball. Audrey was dressed in 
ah antiquated costume, made to fit her by 
Marjorie’s maid, of an ancestress of the family, 
whose portrait by Lely hung in the gallery. 

The long fiowing yellow robe, the soft muslin 
fichu, and high dressed hair, slightly powdered, 
under a big black velvet hat, quite transformed 
Audrey, and Gerard told her that he had many 
enquiries about her, until one old lady settled 
the matter by saying authoritatively, “ A cousin 
of the family, of course. The Dorincourts have 
all such a strong family resemblance.” 

“ Wonderful what a little imagination, coupled 
with a historical costume, will do,” he said. But 
there was admiration in his hawklike eyes, and 
Audrey saw it, and for the first time in her life, 
blushed crimson. 

She danced all the time, not that she was a 
first class performer, but the girls were such 
admirable hostesses, never leaving her without a 


AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 51 


partner, and the boys filling up any gaps that 
occurred. 

The whole evening was a great success, and it 
was nearly two o’clock when the last carriage 
drove away. 

This is the kids’ great time,” explained Dick 
to her. We have the proper grown-up ball 
later, and the house full of all sorts of swells. 
But we always ^keep ourselves to ourselves’ for 
Christmas. I believe you’re the first visitor, not 
a relation, we’ve ever had.” 

I shall never, never, forget it,” said Audrey. 

I couldn’t have believed anything could ever 
be so absolutely perfect.” 


CHAPTER V 


A CONTRAST 

“ As high as we have mounted in delight, 

In our dejection do we sink as low.” 

Wordsworth. 

A FEW days later, Audrey, with a sinking heart, 
was slowly traversing the muddy streets in a 
four-wheeler towards 11 Myrtle Road, Brixton. 

After her experience of the splendid motor 
and luxurious carriages at Dorincourt, the cab 
■felt stuffy and sordid, and the shining gas lamps 
reflected in the puddles looked vulgar and 
glaring. Even a taxi would have been better, 
and she felt her conveyance had all the incon- 
veniences of antiquity, without its glamour. 

Presently it drew up, and the rickety old 
driver crawled down and rang the bell. A long 
pause ensued, during which Audrey had leisure 
to note the white blisters on the grained painted 
door, the muddy doorsteps, and the clouded brass 
of the handle and knocker. 


52 


A CONTRAST 


53 


Then at last, Violet, the house parlourmaid, 
appeared, with her fringe very much out of curl, 
and a dirty apron. 

“ Lor’, Miss Audrey, is it you?” she said. “ I 
didnT expect you so soon.” 

Is my aunt in ? ” enquired Audrey. 

No, that she isn’t, nor the young lidies. 
They’ve all gone to a party at Mrs. Robson’s.” 

Isn’t there any tea, then ? ” said Audrey. 

Well, the drorin-room fire’s out, but cook 
and me’s ’avin’ a cup, Miss, and I can bring you 
some upstairs, if you like.” 

Yes, do please,” said Audrey wearily, paying 
the cab, and coming into the mean little hall. 
Her cousin Alfred ^s coats and caps hanging on 
the walnut hatstand, gave her a shudder of 
familiar aversion, and she felt lonely, sad, and 
unwelcome. 

The cook came upstairs, wiping her greasy 
hands on her apron, and she and Violet carried 
Audrey’s box up. 

Audrey had a small room to herself, a boon 
she had often been thankful for, but today, as 
she lit the flaring gas jet, and looked round, its 
commonplace ugliness struck her forcibly. 

The faded drab paper, the cheap painted wood 
dressing-table and washstand, the black iron 


54 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


bedstead chipped and bent, the soiled blind 
hanging crookedly, the faded square of Kidder- 
minster carpet, were like so many insults to her 
awakened perceptions, and although she had 
often felt the contrast from her clean cubicle at 
school, it had never struck her quite so sharply 
before. She spoke in a tone of vexation. 

Oh Violet, you might have had that blind 
mended. You broke it before I left, and it has 
never been touched.” 

Violet fired up at once. And indeed Miss, 
it’s little time I get for mending blinds. It’s 
slave, slave ! all day ^ere, and never a word of 
thanks. ’Owever, I shall be out of it in a week, 
thanks be.” 

“ Oh, never mind,” said Audrey. Could I 
have that tea presently ? I am tired and 
thirsty.” 

Violet departed, and we can hardly blame 
poor Audrey, if, sitting before the shabby little 
dressing-table, with its blotched looking-glass, 
and tom toilet cover, she let her face fall on her 
hands, and “ wept a little weep.” 

But she roused up at the sound of the maid’s 
return, with some strong sweet tea in a kitchen 
cup, and a plate of bread spread with the best 
Dosset.” 


A CONTRAST 


55 


The food did her good, and she proceeded to 
unpack. 

Gradually the little room became more home- 
like, as she spread her travelling rug over the bed, 
placed her photographs, among them several new 
ones of the Dor incourt family, on the chimney- 
piece, and laid her neat ebony brushes, and 
little blue velvet pincushion on the toilet table. 

She unpinned a buttonhole of fragrant, long 
stalked violets from her coat, and placed them 
in Dick’s little blue vase, and then bethought 
her of the big bunch of chrysanthemums, and 
the basket of grapes, which had been put into 
her railway carriage by the footman. 

She knew also how welcome the brace of 
pheasants would be to her aunt’s housewifely 
soul, and went downstairs in rather better 
spirits. Violet had re-lit the fire, and lighted 
the gas in the drawing-room, and Audrey 
arranged the flowers as nearly as she could after 
Marjorie’s methods, and set them out to the best 
advantage on the various little tables. 

Then she heard the front door shut, and voices 
in the hall, and knew the party had returned. 

She heard exclamations of surprise, as Violet 
evidently informed them of her arrival, and a 
moment later her aunt entered the room. 


56 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She was a tall slight woman, with rather 
refined features and a sweet expression, but with 
a worried look, and a general appearance of 
having put her clothes on bj accident. 

She greeted Audrey afiectionately, and sank 
down on to the sofa, saying, How early you are 
back, dear. Alf said you couldn’t be here till 
dinner time. I am sorry we were all out.” 

Oh, it didn’t matter a bit,” Audrey said. I 
was glad to get unpacked first, and Violet gave 
me some tea.” 

I am glad of that,” her aunt said. She is 
a saucy girl, and cheeks your cousins, but I don’t 
think she is bad-hearted. What lovely flowers ! 
Did you bring them ? ” 

Yes, and some grapes, and some pheasants,” 
answered Audrey. ^^Oh Auntie, they were so 
kind to me.” 

The girls will be wild to hear all about it,” 
said her aunt. Here they come.” 

Laura and Monica were both short and dumpy, 
but they were dressed in the last extreme of 
fashion, as interpreted by The Lady’s Looking- 
glass.” Long narrow skirts trailing on the 
ground, and beginning as high up as the 
exigencies of their figures allowed, buttoned 
with many buttons, and falling into folds never 


A CONTRAST 


57 


contemplated by their originators. Laura’s was 
salmon, and Monica’s pale green, and as both 
were slightly dishevelled and flushed, they hardly 
looked their best. 

But they were in excellent spirits, and greeted 
Audrey much more warmly than usual. 

^^Well, you have been having a time,” said 
Monica. Now tell us all about it, and how you 
got on with all the lords and ladies.” 

And you can tell us all about the fashions,” 
chimed in Laura. Are Directoires still in, and 
is it true that pork-pie hats are to be worn.” 

^‘1 never noticed,” said Audrey. Lady 
Marjorie wore a white satin evening frock the 
first night I was there, and a brown dress with a 
beautiful sable coat one day. I really never noticed 
the style. She always looked perfectly sweet.” 

^^How stupid of you,” said Laura. ^^Well, 
go on, tell us all about it.” 

Audrey felt rather hopeless. Their interests 
were so different to hers, but she obediently 
gave them a list of the names of the whole 
family, relating how she had disclaimed the 
acquaintance of Lord Windlesham, until she had 
discovered him to be her friend Gerard. 

Were all the boys lords ? ” asked Monica in 
an awestruck voice. 


58 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


No, Dick and Roger were only Honourables,” 
said Audrey. I saw it on their letters.” 

Fancy a little chap of six being an Honour- 
able ! ” said Monica. And the little girls were 
all Ladyships, weren’t they ? How funny ! ” 

They called Patricia and Honor ^ the rab- 
bits,’ ” said Audrey. “ They never used their 
titles. Only the servants did. One forgot all 
about them, they were so jolly and natural. I 
was rather afraid of Lady Heversham. She was 
so tall and dignified, and always so beautifully 
dressed, and she spoke slowly, and in rather a 
sort of aloof way, I thought. But the children 
all simply adored her. The boys all called her 
‘ Darling.’ ” 

What was the Earl like ? ” enquired Laura. 

Oh, he was never called that,” said Audrey. 

He was tall and thin and brown, and rather 
silent. But he talked very nicely to me. I 
liked him because he was so like Gerard, who 
was an absolute lamb. I don’t believe he said 
one single word of sense the whole time. But 
he had lots of sense really. Marjorie told me he 
helped his father about everything to do with 
the estate, the accounts, and all that. He was 
busy about them all the time. He did a lot of 
agency work too, and was so dependable and 


A CONTRAST 


59 


steady that everybody looked to him. He was 
at Oxford, and was going in for Diplomacy, I 
believe.’' 

Go on, about the others,” said Laura. 

Dick is to be a soldier. He was a jolly boy, 
and little Roger told me he was going to be an 
engine driver first, and then a giant.” 

Tell ais about the ball now,” said Monica. 

What did they all wear ? ” 

“ Gerard said he should do the most execution 
of them all, and so he did, for he came as an 
executioner, all in black, with a black mask, and 
a big axe. Nobody knew him hardly, only I 
guessed him by his eyes.” 

Audrey saw her two cousins exchange a 
meaning glance, and her innocent confidences 
shrivelled up, her cheeks burnt, and she stopped 
abruptly, reddening violently. 

Go on,” said Monica. It’s perfectly thrill- 
ing. Some people have all the luck. What 
did Dick wear ? ” 

^^Dick,” said Audrey, in a changed tone. 

Oh, Dick was a French cook. Not very 
original, he said, but cool and cheap.” 

I should have thought those sort of people 
never bothered about cheapness,” observed 
Monica. 


60 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Oh, they were wonderfully like the rest of 
the world,” said Audrey drily. She had not 
forgiven that meaning glance. 

Go on, don’t shut up like a box,” cried 
Laura. What did Marjorie wear ? ” 

Lady Marjorie was a lady of Louis XIV.’s 
Court, all brocade and powder and patches, and 
Alison was some kind of Bohemian peasant, I 
believe. Oh, by the way, I must show you my 
Christmas presents.” 

^^Not now, do go on telling us,” persisted 
Monica. Did the Earl and Countess dress 
up too ? ” 

I wish you wouldn’t call them that,” said 
Audrey, rather sharply. No, they said it was 
only a children’s party.” 

suppose it was a beautiful supper,” said 
Mrs. Baxter, speaking for the first time. 

Rather,” said Audrey. ^^All on little tables 
in the banqueting hall. And there was a great 
lovely ball-room, quite separate from all the 
other rooms, with a ceiling all painted like the 
sky, with little pink Cupids playing hide and 
seek in the clouds, and holding wreaths of roses 
to each other. Oh, it was lovely.” 

^AVell,” said Monica, still rather hufiy after her 
snub. I don’t know if you can bring your mind 


A CONTRAST 


61 


down to such common things, but I know I want 
my supper now, and I can smell toasted cheese.” 

Oh Monica, and you had such a tea at the 
Robson’s. I saw you have muffins three times.” 

^^Well, you see. Tommy Robson was so at- 
tentive,” simpered Monica. couldn’t go on 
refusing.” 

That sort of man doesn’t think anything of 
a girl for eating too much,” remarked Mrs. 
Baxter. He thinks of the housekeeping bills.” 

Goodness, Mother, you do go ahead,” said 
Monica, hugely pleased. ^^But I thought you 
were getting on pretty well yourself, Laura, with 
Mr. Claude Heskett.” 

Oh, he,” said Laura, slightingly. His father 
is only a dentist, though he calls himself a dental 
surgeon. Oh, I should never think of him.” 

Well, you were pretty sick when he took up 
his half proverb to Susie Lane. ^ Handsome is — ’ 
don’t you know.” 

^^Well, she wasn’t best pleased,” retorted 
Laura. It wasn’t much of a compliment, 
whichever way you look at it.” 

Girls, don’t squabble,” feebly said Mrs. Bax- 
ter. Isn’t that father’s latchkey? Go up and 
wash your hands, and don’t make a noise. He’ll 
be tired tonight.” 


CHAPTER VI 


DULL DAYS 


“In common things the law of sacrifice takes the 
form of positive duty.” 


Froude. 


The snow had all melted into unattractive 
pea- soup, and the streets looked particularly 
uninviting when Audrey looked out next 
morning. 

The houses in Myrtle Koad stood back from the 
pavement, each in its own little garden,” as the 
proud owners called them. The sticky square of 
grass, the bare dripping lilacs or plane trees, and 
the grubby privet hedges, merited little such a 
description, and to Audrey, fresh from the wide 
clean view of sloping lawn, wide terrace with 
its marble balustrade, and open park beyond, it 
was almost painful to think that the same name 
could be applied to both. 

There was a dusky haze, though hardly a fog, 
which darkened the grimy windows, and Audrey 
62 


DULL DAYS 


63 


turned with a sigh from the dismal prospect. 
Though Violet had brought up a lukewarm can 
of water, there was no delicious fresh tea in a 
dainty china service, and no comfortable fire, lit 
by a noiseless maid, to dress by. 

But Audrey was a sensible girl, and what was 
more, knew the best way to get the burden of 
depression lifted, and by the time she had fin- 
ished her dressing, had bravely faced the fact, 
that though she had had a glimpse of an earthly 
Paradise, this was her home, and here lay her 
duty. 

So she put on her neat school serge, and came 
down to breakfast, determined to make the best 
of it. 

She found her uncle, an untidy-looking, 
harassed person, with a ragged greyish beard, 
helping himself to kippers, and trying to read 
the “ Daily Mail” at the same time. 

He gave his niece a perfunctory peck on the 
cheek, observing that it was a fine day, and 
that he was late, and then promptly forgot her 
existence. 

Modern Society,” Laura’s special reading, lay 
beside her plate, but Audrey knew better than to 
open her cousin’s correspondence, even if she had 
felt drawn to it. So she went to the little sulky 


64 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


fire, and put the toast rack down in front of it, to 
try and warm it up. 

How late the others are,” grumbled Mr. 
Baxter. It really is too bad my having to 
make the tea, and do everything myself, when 
I’m late as it is.” 

They were tired, I daresay, after the party,” 
suggested Audrey. 

Tired, nonsense. Overeaten themselves, more 
likely. Ah, Mother, here you are at last. Give 
me another cup. The water isn’t boiling. I 
can’t drink this stufi.” 

“Violet is perfectly hopeless,” sighed Mrs. 
Baxter. “ She never knows when the water is 
boiling. Servants never do.” 

“ Let me fetch the kettle,” suggested Audrey. 
“The fire can make itself useful, and boil it up.” 

“Oh, no,” Mrs Baxter was beginning feebly, 
but Audrey was ofi, and back again with the 
kettle, which, being taken hot from the kitchen 
stove, was soon able to supply Mr. Baxter with 
a good cup of tea. 

“ That’s something like,” he said, as he hastily 
wiped his beard, and stood up. “ Why don’t you 
always have the kettle here, Edwina ? It makes 
all the difference.” 

“I’m sure the girls wouldn’t allow it,” said 


DULL DAYS 


65 


Mrs. Baxter. I am afraid she said gurls/’ but 
the difference is very slight. It looks so bad.’' 

Well, I’m off,” said the husband, leaving the 
room without further ceremony. 

Audrey helped him into his shabby coat, and 
returned to the dining-room. 

Put down the bacon, there’s a dear,” said her 
aunt. Alf can’t bear it cold.” 

Where was Alf last night ? ” enquired Audrey. 

I’m sure I don’t know,” returned his mother. 

He’s so gay nowadays there’s no holding him. 
Up till three and four dancing nearly every night. 
I often tell him I’m sure he can’t do his work 
properly all day, and he uses such a lot of white 
ties.” 

I suppose there is a lot going on just now,” 
said Audrey. 

Only just look at the cards,” said Mrs. 
Baxter. I suppose it’s good for young people 
to enjoy themselves, but I sometimes think the 
girls are getting into rather a low set. I was 
never allowed to go to a tradesman’s party when 
I was a girl, unless they were wholesale. But 
they won’t listen to me. I often say to them 
that their father’s worked himself up into a good 
position, and that they oughtn’t to lower them- 
selves. Now Alf is different. He goes to quite 


66 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


swell places. Only last week he went to a titled 
house. Lady Jones was the name, and he thinks 
the same as I do.” 

Here they come,” said Audrey, as Monica in 
a plaid silk blouse and blue skirt came in, looking 
pale and heavy-eyed, and followed by Laura, with 
her fringe still in curling pins. 

Laura,” said her mother fretfully, you know 
I don’t like you to come do^vn to breakfast like 
that. It’s like the servants.” 

“ Oh, well,” said Laura indi:fferently, “ there’s 
nobody here to see me, and a foggy day like this 
always makes me a perfect sight, and we’ve got 
the Tillotson’s ball tonight.” 

“ And somebody’s going to be there, isn’t he?” 
said Monica teasingly, and Laura bridled. 

What are you aU going to do today ? ” asked 
Mrs. Baxter. 

It’s such a nuisance all this slush to walk in,” 
Monica said. I was going to Evans to match 
these stockings, but one gets soaked through only 
going to the bus.” 

“ What’s Audrey going to do? ” asked her aunt 
again. 

I don’t know,” said Audrey hopelessly. I 
must get out, but I’ve nowhere particular to go, 
and nothing to do.” 


DULL DAYS 


67 


I’ve got some calls to pay this afternoon. 
If you like you can come with me,” said Mrs. 
Baxter. The girls ought to lie down before the 
ball. I’m going to the Lakins. They always 
have a good tea.” 

Rather Audrey than me,” said Laura. I 
loathe calling on a lot of dull people, and 
paddling about in the mud all day. I shall stop 
at home and read.” 

I’ll come if you like. Auntie,” said Audrey, 
unwillingly. But I’d rather go for a good walk 
somewhere.” 

You can’t go alone,” said her aunt. We’ll 
go on the top of the bus if you like. But you’d 
better come with me, if your hat’s tidy.” 

So Audrey sighed and acquiesced. 

When they had all finished, Alf came in. He 
was a medical student, and possessed all the 
charm of manner for which that distinguished 
body is eminent. He was short like his sisters, 
and round. His hair was shiny, and parted 
down the middle, with an engaging curl at each 
side. His morning attire was slovenly, a loose 
shooting jacket, with a waistcoat of another 
pattern, and trousers of yet a third. His blue 
tie, in which he wore a sporting pin, was stained 
with tobacco, and his chin had not known the 


68 


HEAETS AND COEONETS 


razor that morning. But there was a good- 
natured twinkle in his little grey eyes, and he 
was an acknowledged humourist in his own 
circle. 

He lounged in and sat down, while his mother 
solicitously waited upon him, and Audrey stood 
and regarded him from a distance, twirling the 
tassel of the blind cord in her fingers. 

What had happened to her ? ” she wondered. 
Had a new perception come to her, or had the 
scales merely fallen from her eyes ? 

She had been accustomed to regard her cousins 
with a good-natured tolerance, as beings whose 
world lay outside hers. 

Her schoolmistress had cultivated her mind, 
and trained her naturally refined instincts, but 
she had never inspired her with this contempt 
for the tastes, pursuits, and, alas, the persons of 
people with fewer advantages. 

Surely, Audrey thought, she must be growing 
wicked. Alf was no worse then when she had 
last seen him, and he had always been kind and 
good-natured to her. She must struggle against 
this feeling. It must be wrong, and it^ certainly 
was awlcward. But when before her mental 
vision there arose the picture of Gerard, with 
his neat well-fitting clothes, his spotless linen. 


DULL DAYS 


69 


and general air of nnconscious refinement, poor 
unshaven slovenly Alf, with his cheap smartness 
and showy vulgarity, hardly seemed a human 
being at all. 

Making an effort, she forced herself to say to 
him. 

Good morning, Alf ; you haven’t spoken to 
me yet.” 

By Jove, no more I have,” he replied. I 
forgot I hadn’t seen you before. So you’ve been 
having a razzle-dazzle among the toffs, I hear.” 

Audrey admitted the fact, though demurring 
to the description, but he rattled on. 

Suppose you didn’t pick up a nice young 
Dook, or so, did you? Or was there a smart 
young woman to suit me, I wonder ? ” 

Audrey looked disgusted, but suppressed the 
retort which rose to her lips, of among the 
housemaids, I daresay,” and merely replied. 
They were all more than good to me. I never 
met such a delightful family.” 

Oh ho, and so there was a young man. Look 
out, girls, you’ll have Audrey cutting you both 
out, and marrying a noble marquis.” And he 
whistled a bar of Molly the Marchioness.” 

I think I must go and write a letter. Auntie,” 
said Audrey with dignity, and went to the door. 


70 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Nothing to be sniffy about, my dear. You 
know they’d give their eyes to have spoken to a 
lord.” 

But Audrey had escaped. 

Alone in her room, she paced up and down, 
with clenched hands and burning cheeks. How 
was she going to endure the rest of the holidays 
with these people. Today was only January the 
2nd, and she had to stay until January the 23rd. 
She regretted the refusal she had given to one 
of her schoolfellows who had asked her to stay. 
She had had a sort of sense of duty to her 
relatives, and the girl had not been an intimate 
friend, but she wished now she had accepted. 
She was generally away with one or other school 
friend during the spring and summer holidays, 
but for Christmas she had always come home. 
Home. The word seemed a mockery. Surely 
her true home was with her new friends. Their 
minds seemed to be in tune with hers. Their 
atmosphere was one she could breathe in. 

Here she broke off her reflections, and sat 
down to write a letter of thanks to Lady 
Heversham. She hesitated how to address the 
envelope, then decided to write to Marjorie, 
judging that she knew how her envelopes 
looked. 


DULL DAYS 


71 


Audrey wrote a good letter. Her natural 
candour was tempered with a sense of humour, 
and her gratitude was so real that it could 
hardly help expressing itself. She wrote from 
the heart, and Marjorie, reading the letter, felt 
it was more than the usual stereotyped thanks, 
and passed it over to her mother, who read it 
with her usual gentle stateliness, returning it 
with the remark, That is a nice girl. We must 
ask her here again.” 

She plays hockey first rate,” said Dick. She’s 
centre forward at her school. Let’s get her down 
for the match next week.” 

But Lady Heversham shook her head. Not 
quite so soon, I think, Dick. We mustn’t take 
her from her own people again at once. Perhaps 
next summer she might come for a longer visit.” 

So Audrey remained at Brixton, gradually 
becoming accustomed to the routine of life there 
again. 

She sometimes got away for a drive on the 
top of a bus, to some open space, where she 
could see the sky, and get a breath of fresh air. 
But these occasions were rare, for her aunt 
clung to the conventionalities, and Audrey had 
to wait till one of her cousins was free/ and 
willing to come. 


72 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Once or twice Alf brought in tickets for a 
matinee, in the cheap seats, given him by a 
friend, and good-naturedly included Audrey in 
the party. 

She had always loved the theatre, like all 
imaginative girls, and she found these expedi- 
tions a pleasant break in her monotonous life, 
and was grateful to her cousin. 

The rest of the time seemed spent in a round 
of small shopping, dull calls, an occasional tea- 
party, or afternoon dance, to which she was 
bidden, as, not being out,’' she could not attend 
more ambitious entertainments. But she showed 
so much indifference to these joys that one day 
Alf remonstrated with her. 

What’s up with you, Audrey? This is the 
third time you’ve refused to go to a hop. You 
used to be keen enough. Why are you such a 
wet blanket ? ” 

Perhaps she won’t dance with any one under 
a lord,” suggested Monica waspishly, and Audrey, 
with a start, realised that her cousin spoke more 
truly than she knew. But she laughed it off, 
and Alf roughly snubbed his sister, on her behalf, 
which was a certain solace to her. 

The days passed away, and the 23rd came, 
and Audrey, with a sensation of relief, packed 


DULL DAYS 


73 


herself and her boxes into another four-wheeler^ 
and started on her return journey to school, 
though this time no friendly snow storm inter- 
vened, to give her another glimpse of her 
Paradise, and she passed the little station in an 
express which barely gave her time to see its 
name as she was whisked through, though she 
had eagerly watched for it. 


CHAPTER VII 
BEREAVEMENT 

“ Ah, surely nothing dies, but something mourns.” 

Byron. 

At last the dreary holidays were over, and 
Audrey had said farewell to her relations without 
regret. She was mildly attached to her gentle 
aunt, though in her youthful judgment she 
thought she ^^gave in” a great deal too much. 

But the poor lady, with her querulous hus- 
band, and masterful family, had long decided 
to follow the line of least resistance. As far as 
she had any deep feelings, she was attached to 
Audrey, the child of her dead sister, and liked 
to have her in the house, besides which the 
three hundred a year she received for her up- 
bringing and education was a considerable help 
to the family finances. 

Audrey’s father had made a lucky specu- 
lation before his death, and had settled the 


74 


BEREAVEMENT 


75 


capital on his wife, so his daughter was not 
penniless. 

It was to the credit of Mrs. Baxter that she 
had sent her niece to an expensive and first rate 
school, instead of economising in that respect, 
and the result had been thoroughly satisfactory, 
as Audrey's education, appearance, and manners 
showed. 

It was possibly a sort of instinctive jealousy 
of their cousin’s superiority, that sharpened the 
edge of both Monica’s and Laura’s speeches, and 
caused them to snub and ignore her as much as 
possible. 

The consequence was that with them, Audrey 
became abrupt, reserved, and sarcastic, and so 
the rift widened daily. 

Audrey met several schoolfellows in the train, 
and by the time they had arrived at the little 
west country station, she had forgotten all about 
her home troubles, in laughing and chattering, 
and relating and hearing news. 

The hotel omnibus was awaiting the girls, and 
they drove the three miles to the house in very 
good spirits. 

Miss Fenwick was the daughter of a dis- 
tinguished Church dignitary, and was a well 
read, refined, and intellectual woman. 


76 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


Her influence with her pupils was very great, 
and though she did not show favouritism, it was 
well known in the school that Audrey Denver 
was the person to solicit a half-holiday, or sug- 
gest any small favour that was required, even 
before she had attained her present lofty position 
as head of the lower school. 

Miss Fenwick, tall, spare, rather sharp featured, 
and with fair hair turning grey, met them in the 
hall with affectionate greetings. 

But it was on Audrey’s shoulder that her hand 
rested longest, and her austere features relaxed 
into a kindly smile as the girl looked frankly up 
into her eyes, and stroked the hand before it was 
withdrawn. 

When the girls had bustled upstairs to their 
various rooms and cubicles, and the luggage had 
been apportioned and carried off, Audrey came 
down again, without her hat and coat^ and with 
her brown wavy hair tied back with a crimson 
ribbon, and tapped at the door of Miss Fenwick’s 
sitting room. 

She was summoned in, and invited to partake 
of the comfortable tea laid by the bright fire. 
This was one of the most prized privileges of her 
position, and on the first day of term was an 
established custom. There was a certain amount 


BEEEAYEMENT 


77 


of business to be transacted, the choice of moni- 
tors for the term, a discussion as to the ar- 
rangement of the rooms, a little talk over new- 
comers, and girls who had left, alterations in the 
hours for games, and so on. 

Audrey’s advice was often taken, and her 
opinion always considered, and this had partly 
helped to steady her character, and give her a 
sense of responsibility. 

When the preliminaries were settled, Audrey 
sat down on a stool on the hearthrug, and 
leaning her head against Miss Fenwick’s knee, 
fell into a reverie, gazing at the fire. 

Her schoolmistress did not interrupt her 
thoughts, but taking up some knitting, worked 
in silence. 

Presently Audrey looked up. Do you know. 
Miss Fenwick,” she said, I’m afraid I’m growing 
into a regular wicked, vulgar little snob.” 

^^And why ? ” was Miss Fenwick’s quiet enquiry. 

It seems too bad to admire people who have 
riches and rank and all that, and who have every- 
thing made easy for them, and to despise other 
people who are poor, and — not very well edu- 
cated, and who never seem to have had a chance, 
and that’s exactly what I can’t help doing,” said 
Audrey. 


78 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


My dear/' said Miss Fenwick. It all 
depends what you admire or despise them for. 
Surely you don’t respect people because they are 
rich or highly placed, nor think badly of others 
because they are neither. It must be that you 
admire the qualities that are developed by one 
set of circumstances, or the contrary. Isn’t 
that so ? ” 

Audrey considered, and said, Ye-es, I suppose 
so, but it is so difficult to separate one’s feelings.” 

I think you can easily find out,” said Miss 
Fenwick. Suppose your rich friends were 
reduced to poverty, and had to live in a small 
shabby way. Should you at once cease to care 
for them ? ” 

Of course not,” said Audrey. I should 
like them all the more.” 

And if your poor friends became rich, should 
you instantly begin to respect and admire 
them ? ” 

“ Certainly not,” said Audrey, with decision. 
^^I think they would be more odious than ever.” 

So you see,” said Miss Fenwick, smiling, 
that you are not such a dreadful snob after 
all. Now tell me who are these people that 
have stirred up such alarming doubts in your 
mind.” 


BEREA VEiMENT 


79 


And Audrey, with alacrity, entered into the 
history of her adventures. Miss Fenwick listened 
without comment. She had seen Audrey’s people 
when in London, so had no need to ask who the 
contrasting group were, and when Audrey con- 
cluded with the words, You see, dear Miss 
Fenwick, I seemed to be at home with them, 
just as if they were my relations, and when I 
got back, I felt like a stranger with my own 
people. It is funny, isn’t it?” 

It often happens so,” said Miss Fenwick, 
^^and I am very glad, for your sake, that you 
have made such delightful friends, and I hope 
you will always feel the same towards them. 
Now it is seven o’clock, and time to start the 
little ones to bed.” 

The next morning Audrey began the regular 
round of school routine, which with its steady 
methodical rules and habit of application to 
business, with few leisure times, helped her to 
pass the days, and gradually efface the memory 
of those eventful Christmas holidays. 

But she kept up a correspondence with Ali- 
son, who constantly referred to the idea of her 
coming to Dorincourt again, for a proper visit ” 
in the summer holidays. The family had left 
the country, and were in London, in Carlton 


80 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


House Terrace, where they were to stay for the 
Parliamentary session, with the exception of a 
few days in the country at Easter. 

I do hate London,” Alison wrote. Nothing 
but east winds and yellow fog. I am doing a 
lot of lessons, and classes and things, and I 
hardly ever see Marjorie. She is simply gadding 
from morning till night. I get some riding, 
though, which is better than nothing, though 
both Black Beauty and I get perfectly sick of 
the old Row. The pink almond at the Kensing- 
ton Gardens’ end is out. The first sign of spring, 
but it looks shivered, poor thing. Oh, dear, I 
shall be glad to go home to dear Dorin court. 
Gerard is back at Oxford, and says he is awfully 
busy. Dick has got his football colours this 
term, and is as pleased as Punch. Are you 
getting any hockey ? What fun we will have in 
the summer. Write again soon. Your letters 
are much appreciated.” 

Audrey, in her new position this term, had 
been given a room to herself, which was con- 
sidered a great honour, though she had been 
quite fond of her cubicle. 

She had often been rather envious of the other 
girls’ possessions in the form of photographs 
of their homes and relations, that they proudly 


BEREAVEMENT 


81 


hung on their walls^ or stood on their shelves 
and tables. 

Poor Audrey had felt that the pictures of . 
her people were hardly ornamental enough to 
bear the scathing criticism of her friends, but 
from a sense of loyalty had mounted a faded old- 
fashioned portrait of her aunt, and a snap-shot 
of her two cousins playing tennis, on her little 
chest of drawers. 

Now however she had a postcard of Dorincourt 
Castle, and a big family group, taken by Dick, 
and rather successfully for an amateur, which 
were among her most cherished treasures. 

Her greatest friend, Rachel Maynard, a quiet 
looking girl in the upper school, was never tired 
of hearing about the joys and glories of Dorin- 
court, and Audrey found it a great relief to have 
somebody to pour it all out to. She was to 
spend the short Easter holiday with Rachel in 
the north, and was not going back to Brixton at 
all. 

She received occasional letters from her aunt, 
but the girls were not good correspondents. 
The last letter had been more depressed in tone 
than usual, though they were never very ex- 
hilarating. Her aunt complained of a shortness 
of breath, and intermittent attacks of faintness. 


82 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


which alarmed Audrey. It’s the spring 
weather/’ she said, ^^and these east winds. 
I shall be better when the summer comes. I 
expect every day to hear that Monica is engaged 
to Mr. Thomas Robson. If she isn’t, she ought 
to be ashamed of the way she follows him about. 
I don’t know what she sees in him myself, but I 
believe he is steady, and has got good prospects, 
and I should be glad for one of the girls to get 
settled. Alf is getting rather wild, I am afraid, 
and neglecting his work. It worries your uncle, 
but what can I do? I am glad to hear you are 
so happy, and getting on with your lessons. 
Some day I will tell you all about your father 
and mother. I’ve waited till you were old 
enough, but I don’t feel as if I ought to wait 
much longer.” 

Audrey’s heart beat when she read these 
words. She had never been told much about 
her parents, beyond the fact that her father had 
died abroad before she was born, and her mother 
when she was two years old. Her uncle and 
aunt had not always lived in Brixton, and she 
had vague recollections of a red house in a 
country road, with a white may tree by the front 
gate. Her aunt had brought her up, but Audrey 
had no recollection of any great affection. An 


BEREAVEMENT 


83 


untidy nursery, a succession of casual nursery 
maids, and a rather neglected wardrobe, were 
her principal reminiscences, with a quarrelsome 
party of elder children snatching and bickering 
continually with each other. 

But at the age of eight she had been sent to 
school, when it seemed to her that her happiest 
time had begun. 

She was popular with the other girls, she was 
so good-tempered and amusing, and had not 
been so astonishingly superior in any particular 
line as to call forth any jealousy. 

But she had always kept a good average place 
in class, and her natural sweet disposition, and 
a certain clearness of judgment, had made her 
influence marked in her small circle. 

She put down her aunt’s letter, with a little 
foreboding at her heart, but a call to hockey 
roused her, and she soon forgot her uneasiness. 

When she returned, hot and muddy, and ran 
up to tidy for tea, there was an orange envelope 
on her dressing-table. 

It said, Mother died this morning. Funeral 
on Friday. Father wants you to come. Monica.” 

She stared at it, bewildered, then slowly 
brushed her hair, repeating the words and try- 
ing to realise them. Then she threw down the 


84 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


brush, and snatching up the telegram, ran to 
Miss Fenwick. 

It was a dreary journey back to town. A 
miserable household, the girls red-eyed and 
dazed, her uncle helpless and overcome, poor 
Alf, all his little vulgarities forgotten, sobbing 
openly, with his rough head on the dining-room 
table. 

Then the formal funeral cortege and the 
gloomy surroundings where they laid her to 
rest. The wretched home-coming to the empty 
house, through the unsympathetic streets be- 
ginning to show spring flowers and fashions. It 
was all like a dismal dream. 

But her uncle seemed to lean on Audrey more 
than on his own daughters. She was always 
fond of you, Audrey,’' he said. “ She gave me a 
packet for you only three days ago. It was only 
old letters, she said, but you ought to have it. 
I put it in my desk. Here it is. You had 
better go back to Miss Fenwick. This is a sad 
house for a young thing. The girls and I must 
begin to get used to each other, and it is no use 
keeping you. Bless you, my dear niece, I shall 
always remember she was fond of you.” 


CHAPTER VIII 
LETTERS 

“ Letters admit not of a half renown, 

They give you nothing, or they give a crown/* 

Young. 

Dear Alison, 

Do you really mean that your mother asks 
me to come and stay a whole month with you in 
the summer holidays ? 

Words are entirely useless to express my 
feelings on the subject, as I hope you realise. 
It will be simply sublime. Please thank Lady 
Heversham most awfully for asking me. 

Just think how much I owe to that darling 
snow-drift. If it hadn^t been for that I should 
be preparing to spend two months with poor 
uncle and the cousins, six weeks at Brixton, 
and the first fortnight in August at Heme Bay 
or somewhere. 

I wish I didn’t feel so disagreeable toward them, 
especially as I really feel sorry for uncle, he has 

85 


86 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


such a horrid existence, with Monica engaged 
and Laura trying to be ! 

I had a very nice fortnight in Yorkshire with 
the Maynards. Rachel left school at Easter, and 
has just put up her hair. I did my best to 
dissuade her from the Burne Jones style, but 
failed, I regret to say. School feels so funny 
without her. 

I spent four days alone with Miss Fenwick 
before term began ; it was awfully nice, she is 
such a dear. A sister of hers was here too, quite 
an artist, and enthused me with sketching. So 
I have acquired another hobby. 

What a long letter this is, but it is a wet half 
holiday, and I have done my prep. We are 
having some jolly tennis now; there is a new 
lawn, made last year. 

There are only three new girls this term. A 
kid of nine, a fat party of about thirteen, and 
a pretty girl of fifteen, who I fear me is a 
minx. 

I shall be in the upper school next term, 
where I daresay I shall need, and I shall certainly 
get, a good deal of chastening after my proud 
position as head of the lower school, where I am 
a much greater swell than I shall ever be in my 
life again. 


LETTERS 


87 


I must stop, the length of this epistle is due 
to the excitement caused by your invitation. 

Love to everybody you think will profit by it, 
and many many thanks to your mother. 

Your loving 

Audrey.” 

It will be seen from this letter that Audrey 
had recovered her spirits. Indeed, at sixteen, 
life is so full of interest that there is no time to 
sit down and mope, and though, as we know, 
Audrey had been sincerely fond of her aunt, yet 
her real life lay apart from her. 

She had taken the first opportunity of reading 
the old letters. There were only five or six of 
them, — one only from her father to her mother, 
written just after their marriage, announcing his 
arrival at Calgary in Alberta, whence he had 
gone on the prospecting expedition from which 
he was never to return. 

It was an affectionate, but not a sentimental 
letter. No forebodings seem to have existed in 
his mind, and he was evidently quite unaware of 
his wife’s hopes. He told her he would be back 
in two or three months, and ended, her affec- 
tionate husband, Hugh Denver. 

The next was a letter from Audrey’s mother 


88 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


to her sister, Mrs. Baxter, saying how Hugh had 
never returned from that expedition, how she 
had written in vain to the address he had given 
in Calgary, and after a long time had had an 
illiterate letter from the innkeeper, which was 
also enclosed. 

^^Deak Madame, 

Hi am sorry to inform you that the gent left 
here on the morning of July 20th, 1893, and as 
never returned, though he left some bagage ere. 

His Indian guide came back a month after e’d 
lef, and ses e’d fallen over a shelf, and a rock 
ad fallen on ’im. He was taken to the nearest 
stopping-house, and died there. They said as e 
ad spoke plain once, and giv his name and adres, 
to send a letter to, which they done as requested. 
As you ’adn’t eard, I suppose there was some 
mistake. 

I am sendin you the bag and other things as 
e lef here, and I hope you will pay the carige, as 
I am a pore man. 

Yours to oblige, 

James Hicks.” 

Poor father and mother,” sighed Audrey. 

How dreadful for her to hear in that way.” 


LETTERS 


89 


Then came a letter saying that the shock had 
made her too ill to go to Calgary herself, and 
also that it was too expensive to send anybody 
else, as there was no railway there in those 
days. 

So she had remained quietly in the settlers’ 
house at Macleod where her husband had left 
her, where there was a kind woman. There her 
baby, a girl, had been born. A beautiful 
child,” wrote the poor mother, and so like 
Hugh.” 

And she went on to say that her health had 
been so bad that she was coming back to England 
with the baby. 

In this letter Audrey learnt that the money 
settled upon her mother was bringing about 
three hundred a year. 

That accounts for Uncle John being able to 
afford to send me to Miss Fenwick’s,” thought 
Audrey. That is a relief. I always wondered 
why he sent me to so much better a school than 
his own girls.” 

A little package was enclosed in the parcel, 
which Audrey opened, and found a signet ring, 
with a coat of arms engraved on it. She did not 
examine it closely at the time, but put it away 
carefully. 


90 


HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


There were one or two more letters about 
arrangements and journeys, and so on, but 
nothing of much interest, and Audrey thought 
sadly, as she folded them up again, that she 
didn’t seem to know her mother any better. I 
must get Monica to give me that faded photo- 
graph in Aunt Edwina’s old album, of my mother 
and me as a baby. I do wish I had a photo of 
my father. There seems to be nobody to tell me 
about them now. Poor Auntie, I wish I had 
talked to her more.” 

The summer term was well advanced when 
Audrey wrote to Alison, accepting her invitation, 
and the girls were playing tennis and croquet, 
and wearing cotton frocks, while the long 
windows of the big schoolroom stood open all 
day, and let in the soothing swish of the mowing 
machine and the songs of the birds. 

Miss Fenwick had rented a large rambling 
country house and turned it into a school. It had 
large gardens, enclosed in fine old walls, and wide 
playing fields sloping down to a clear stream. 

She encouraged the girls to be out of doors as 
much as possible, and had a safe rowing-boat and 
a roomy bathing-box for them. The river was 
not very deep, nor very rapid, and in the long 
hot summer days bathing was very popular. 


LETTERS 


91 


There was a capable swimming mistress, and 
Audrey had rather distinguished herself in that 
line, an accomplishment which was to stand her 
in good stead. 

The hours for lessons were rather long, but 
the food was plentiful and excellent, and the 
games they played and the exercises they took 
kept them in good health. 

There were about thirty girls in the school, 
beginning with tall young maidens of 17 and 18, 
being finished,” and ending with shy little 
newcomers of eight and nine. 

Audrey was one of the oldest pupils, having 
been there for eight years, but she was too 
young to be in the upper school yet, though she 
had many friends in its ranks. 

She had drawn such attractive pictures of her 
life, in her letters to Alison, that the latter, who 
felt a little solitary, with Marjorie out, and the 
rabbits so much younger, had begun to petition 
her mother to send her also to Miss Fenwick’s. 

But Lady Heversham had made no decided 
answer yet, though both girls were feverishly 
anxious for her to decide, and Audrey hoped to 
add some personal persuasions when she was 
again at Dorincourt. 

Among the new hobbies ” she had mentioned 


92 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


in her letter to Alison, heraldry had become one. 
Some of the elder girls had taken it up, and 
Audrey had^been attracted. 

They met once a week to discuss armorial 
bearings, and to describe coats of arms in 
heraldic terms, and talked most learnedly of 
argent and or, chevrons, bordures, and fesses. 

In consequence of this, it became the fashion 
to seal every letter, even the most inconsiderable 
of notes, and Audrey had produced her father’s 
signet ring for this purpose. 

The impression it gave was of a shield sup- 
ported by two drawn swords, and carrying the 
figure of a lion couchant, clasping an earl’s 
coronet between his paws, with the motto, 
Wake me not.” 

The crest above it was a helmet, encircled 
with a laurel wreath. 

^^What a grand seal you have,” said Maisie 
Merrilies, commonly called Merry Maisie, as the 
girls sat in conclave. 

It was my father’s signet ring,” said Audrey. 

Let’s read it by the book,” said another girl, 
and they laboriously traced out the terms, but 
lacking the colours were unable to make a proper 
description, and so gave it back to the owner, 
who replaced it in her writing case. 


LETTERS 


93 


She was rather proud of it, as proving to her 
mind her gentle birth, and it occurred to her to 
look up her father’s name in the old Burke they 
possessed, but to her disappointment the search 
proved fruitless. 

So she said no more about it, and determining 
to ask her uncle how he became possessed of it, 
dismissed the subject from her mind. 

The end of term was always rather a busy 
time with exams., and Audrey worked hard for 
her remove into the upper school. 

There was the usual big prize-giving day, and 
the girls, dressed in the orthodox white muslins, 
entertained admiring relatives and critical school- 
mates with a series of dramatic and musical 
performances in the large classroom. 

Audrey did not attempt any very distinguished 
public appearance, beyond a pianoforte solo, so 
kept close to Miss Fenwick, ready to run her 
messages and forestall her wishes, and clapped 
her more accomplished acquaintances with hearty 
good will. 

That’s one of the things I like about Audrey 
Denver,” said Maisie. She hasn’t got a scrap 
of jealousy about her. I am glad she got the 
swimming prize as well as her good conduct one. 
She really ought to have had the history prize 


94 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


too, but I know she missed out a question by 
helping that stupid little Gentian Clarke, and 
just lost the points that gave it to that fat new 
girl. I know I should have been pretty angry, 
but she was as good-tempered as she could be 
about it.’’ 

She hasn’t got her people here to see her,” 
said another girl, rather sardonically. “ I believe 
they’re not particularly presentable either.” 

“ Nobody cares here what a girl’s people are,” 
fired up Maisie, as long as she’s a good sort 
herself. You haven’t been here long enough to 
know that. But I tell you Audrey Denver is 
the most popular girl in the school, by a long 
chalk.” 

“Well, I’ve nothing to say against it,” was 
the reply, and the girls parted with some 
coolness. 

Next day Audrey remembered to write to her 
uncle about the ring, and received for answer: 

“My Dear Niece, 

Yom: mother had the signet ring, and asked 
your dear aunt to keep it for her. I distinctly 
remember her saying that your father had always 
worn it, but that he had slightly hurt his hand, 
and before going off on his last expedition he 


LETTERS 


95 


took it off and gave it to her to keep. It 
seems the only personal piece of jewellery he 
possessed.” 

And then with a few items of family news the 
letter closed. 

How short and unsatisfactory everything she 
could collect about her parents seemed to 
Audrey. She had occasional moments of de- 
pression and loneliness, as she contrasted her lot 
with that of other happier girls ; but she was 
something of a philosopher in her way, and 
found the proverb, What can’t be cured, must 
be endured,” a useful guide to conduct. 

Besides, who could be depressed for long, with 
Dorincourt, dear Dorincourt, looming in the 
immediate future. So Audrey put her prize 
books in her little bookcase, pinned on the little 
gun-metal and gold hanging watch, which had 
been her reward for the swimming and life- 
saving competition, and resolutely set herself to 
look only on the sunny side of the way. 


CHAPTER IX 


GRAND COMPANY 


“ What have princes, that privates have not too, save 
ceremony.” 

Shakespeare. 


At last the blissful moment had come, and 
Audrey was in the comfortable, old-fashioned 
schoolroom at Dorincourt, with Alison sitting on 
the arm of her chair, the rabbits frisking round 
her, and Roger on her lap. 

She had arrived rather late in the afternoon, 
and Alison had met her in her own little pony 
cart, as she said the motors were both out with 
the elders, who had gone to open a bazaar some 
miles off. 

“ Mother said she hoped you’d excuse her,” 
said Alison, with the courteous consideration to 
a guest, however inconsiderable, that they had 
all been taught, but she couldn’t help it. The 
Princess had only this one day free, and you see 
mother had to go with her.” 

96 


GRAND COMPANY 


97 


What Princess ? ” said Audrey. Do you 
mean to say you have a real live Princess 
staying here ? And I've never even seen one." 

Well/' said Alison, laughing, ^^she isn't one 
of the King's own daughters, you know. But 
she's quite a swell, and we all have to bob when 
she speaks to us. But she is very kind and 
gentle, and she and mother are very old friends. 
I think Lady Adela French is much more 
alarming. Her lady-in-waiting, you know." 

Dear me, it sounds like a fairy tale," said 
Audrey. ^^But, I say, I don't know how to bob. 
What shall I do if I see her ? " 

^^Oh, you can copy any village child," said 
Alison, ^Hhough mother likes us to be a little 
more graceful over it, if w^e can. Look, like 
this. You'll see her tonight, but we young ones 
don't dine down. We have our dinner in the 
summer parlour, which is ever so much nicer 
this hot weather." 

Where are your brothers ? " said Audrey. 

Dick's out fishing. Don't fidget, Roger. 
But poor Gerard's dancing attendance. He 
didn't like it a bit, but father’s in town, voting 
for something or other awfully important in the 
House, and so Gigs is on duty. They ought to 
be back soon. What’s the matter, Roger ? " 

H 


98 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^‘1 say, will Audrey come fissing with me 
tomorrow ? enquired the little boy anxiously. 

I know a wipping big twout under the mill 
bridge.'’ 

Of course I will,” said Audrey, giving him 
a hug. But I don’t know much about 
fishing.” 

James showed me how to tickle them, and 
I tickled beautifully, but I never could flip them 
out of the water like he does.” 

“ All right, you do the tickling, and I’ll do the 
flipping,” said Audrey, laughing. ^^But it all 
sounds like Greek to me.” 

“ It’s deep under that bridge,” said Alison. 
“ Roger, have you leave to go there ? ” 

If I can get a gwown up to come with me,” 
said the small boy. Audwy is a gwown up, 
isn’t she ? ” 

Well, we’ll see about it,” said Alison, wisely. 

Perhaps Audrey would rather do something 
else.” 

But Audrey, looking into those bright appeal- 
ing eyes, felt she could not disappoint the child, 
and gave the required promise. 

Then the sound of the motor horn was heard, 
and the children ran to the window, to see the 
return of the party. 


GRAND COMPANY 


99 


Audrey gazed with interest at a stout kindly 
looking lady in a grey silk dress, with a toque 
trimmed wuth pansies, and carrying an enormous 
bouquet, which was taken respectfully by one of 
the servants, as she cautiously descended. Next 
came Lady Heversham, graceful and stately, and 
a strange lady, and lastly Gerard, looking cool 
and detached, and carrying a tall silk hat, which 
he deposited, with an air of relief, on the step, 
whence it was hastily removed by another foot- 
man, stifling his smiles, before the second motor 
came up. 

Gerard hates his topper,” said Alison, laugh- 
ing. But he has to wear one, if there are any 
Royalties about. I expect he’ll turn up soon. 
He asked this morning if you were coming 
today or tomorrow.” 

^^Did he?” said Audrey, much gratified, as 
steps were heard outside, and Gerard strolled in. 

Well, Miss Denver,” was his greeting, ^^have 
you got on a bit with your English history ? I 
remember having some trouble with you, last 
time we met. You have grown, I think, or have 
I shrunk? I feel a decrease in the distance 
between us. Is it on your or my side, I wonder ? 
Hullo, rabbits, why were you not in the hall 
making curtseys ? H.R.H. condescended to 


100 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


remember your petty existences, and com- 
missioned me to purchase some suitable gifts for 
you. Now which hand will you have? Right 
or left?” 

“ Right/’ said Honor, and was rewarded by an 
enormous doll, and Pat, sneaking round behind 
him, clasped a Teddy bear of equally gigantic 
proportions, with a squeal of joy. 

I thought you had outgrown dolls,” he said. 

But you might lend them to Miss Denver, or 
your other little friends, to play with sometimes.” 

^Yery kind of the Princess,” said Alison. 
“Rabbits, you mustn’t forget to thank her 
properly tonight. Well, how did the show go 
off?” 

“Lord Windlesham, clad in a summer frock 
coat, and trousers of a light grey, w^as the 
cynosure of all eyes,” said Gerard. “Behind 
him was observed the shrinking form of our 
august Patroness, who, aided by his benevolent 
and encouraging presence, declared the bazaar to 
be open. The distinguished company then made 
the round of the stalls, which were decorated 
in an unusually chaste and ornamental manner. 
The walls were draped with the seldom seen 
Union Jack, the rarity of which added to its 
charm, and wreaths of evergreens, a most original 


GRAND COMPANY 


101 


touch, filled the intervening spaces. The elite 
of society were present, — Do you want any 
more ? ” 

No, that’s enough,” said Alison, while Audrey 
laughed at the familiar stream of nonsense. 

“ I ventured, in the noble name of charity, to 
purchase these two boxes of very inferior choco- 
lates, to present to you two. You could get 
them twice as good at Fuller’s for half the 
price.” 

But the girls were delighted with their beauti- 
ful handpainted boxes, and thanked him with 
enthusiasm. 

He thereupon declared it was time to dress 
for dinner, and left the room backwards, bowing 
low at the door. “ It is so difficult to get out of 
these habits, when one is only accustomed to the 
society of Royalty,” he explained as he vanished. 

Audrey made her bob to the Princess that 
evening, when the young ones were assembled 
•in the State drawing-room, after their dinner, and 
the great people came in. She got a gracious 
smile in return, and Lady Heversham greeted 
her kindly, and welcomed her back to Dorin- 
court. 

She looked fagged, and Marjorie, who came in 
last, after several stately-looking dames, looking 


102 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


taller, and more beautiful, Audrey thought, than 
ever, solicitously pushed a cushion behind her 
mother’s shoulders, and with a gesture, de- 
spatched the nearest rabbit for a footstool, before 
speaking to the girls. 

Then she came across to them, and sinking 
into a chair, screened by a tall palm from the 
distinguished guest, said in an undertone to 
Alison, “ Mother’s dead beat. I shall be glad 
when all this fuss is over. I shall get Lady 
Adela to sing presently, to save her talking. 
Go to bed, rabbits, at once, if you’ve made your 
curtseys and said thank you, properly.” 

But we haven’t,” said Pat, in a loud whisper. 

We daren’t go to bed. Gerard said we mustn’t. 
But we don’t like to interrupt.” 

I’ll tell Lady Adela,” said Marjorie, rising, 
and Audrey, watching fascinated from her 
comer, admired the pretty manners of the little 
girls, as each, clasping her gift, they advanced 
to the great lady, and performed their little 
ceremony. Pat was rather pink, and Honor 
slightly out of breath, as they returned to their 
sisters, and slipped off quietly through the con- 
servatory to bed. 

Then Dick appeared, rather bored, having 
been pressed into the grown-up dinner, to make 


GKAND COMPANY 


103 


the numbers even, and began an account, in a 
subdued voice, of his afternoon sport. 

Audrey tliought again, how many boys would 
have succumbed to the temptation of making the 
girls giggle, in the face of so much state and 
ceremony, but Dick never seemed to feel the 
impulse. It would have been very ill-bred, she 
knew, and respected him for refraining. 

Presently, at a nod from Lady Heversham, 
Alison rose, and touching Audrey’s arm, led her 
to make her curtsey before retiring. Audrey 
could only emulate the quiet ease of her friend, 
but her heart beat, and her cheeks flushed, as 
she inwardly prayed not to tumble over a foot- 
stool, or do anything to disgrace herself. 

When the girls had crept out, Alison said, 
Poor Mother and Marjorie. They’ve got to sit 
up till the Princess makes a move. Sometimes 
she doesn’t go to bed till ever so late, and they 
nearly die of sleepiness. But she is very con- 
siderate really. She never expects us children 
to sit up.” 

^^Well,” said Audrey, I feel awfully grand, 
just as if I had been presented. I am glad I got 
my new frock done in time. How did I do it ? ” 
Perfectly,” said Alison. But isn’t it funny, 
she asked Mother if you were a relation. She 


104 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


said there was such a strong family look. I 
can’t see it myself. Your eyebrows are rather 
like Gerard’s^ but that’s all. But it is funny, 
the way outsiders always notice it.” 

“ Perfectly ridiculous,” said Audrey, with 
sincerity. I only wish it were true.” 

Poor old Gerard,” said Alison. He will be 
glad when they’ve all gone. It was bad luck 
that Division coming today, and Father having 
to rush oh for it. Did you see that stout fair 
man with the blue ribbon ? ” 

The children had had a peep from the 
musician’s gallery at the grand company below, 
and Audrey said she had. 

He wants to marry Marjorie,” said Alison. 
^^He’s no end of a swell. The Marquis of Fram- 
lingham. His father’s the Duke of Brighthelm- 
stone.” 

^^Dear me,” said Audrey. ^^And won’t she 
have him ? ” 

Can’t abide the man,” said Alison, confiden- 
tially. “ I think he’s rather a good sort myself, 
and goes in for politics, which I should hke. 
But Marjorie’s a regular country cousin. She 
likes old village women, and poultry, and all 
sorts of country things, and she won’t look at 
anybody. She had five offers last season, I 


GRAND COMPANY 


105 


know, but she says she won’t marry till she finds 
someone exactly like Father.” 

How interesting it all is,” declared Audrey, 
with a sigh of pleasure. It’s exactly like living 
in a book. Who do you think you would like to 
marry ? ” 

A great traveller,” said Alison, without any 
pause for consideration. She had evidently 
thought it all out. I want to see everywhere 
in the world — Egypt, and Japan, and Venice, 
and the Himalayas, and my husband must take 
me to them all.” 

Even to the North Pole,” suggested Audrey. 

Oh, that’s too dull,” said Alison. All water, 
or at least ice. Besides, now that it’s discovered 
all the romance is spoiled. I have rather 
a leaning to the South Pole. What would you 
like to do when you’re married, Audrey ? ” 
Audrey’s eyes grew dreamy as she replied 
slowly, I believe I would like to live in England, 
in an old home where my own people had always 
lived, and loved, and worked. I should like to 
be rich enough to be able to help everybody 
who needed help, and wise enough to know who 
really deserved it. I should like to have a 
splendid unstained family record to look back 
upon, and to hold up to my children for an 


106 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


example. I should like a name that had been 
held by distinguished men who had done 
something to make their country greater, and 
the people round them happier. But there ! ’’ 
she broke off with a laugh. If I marry at all, 
I shall probably marry a solicitor’s clerk, and live 
in a villa at Upper Tooting.” 

Don't,” said Alison. I like you when you 
talk like that. Don’t spoil it. Good night, dear 
old thing. It is very nice having you with us 
again.” 

And the girls kissed and departed to their 
bedrooms. 


CHAPTER X 


A RESCUE 


“ Courage is on all hands considered as an essential 
of high character.” 


Froude. 


The next morningj Roger, fresh and clean in a 
white duck sailor suit, appeared to claim Audrey’s 
promise to go fissing.” 

Somewhat regretfully she gave up an en- 
trancing game of tennis with Alison, Gerard, and 
Dick, to keep her promise. 

She was somewhat consoled by the evident 
disappointment her defection caused the other 
three, though no one tried to dissuade her from 
keeping her word to Bodge,” as Roger appeared 
to be called in the nursery. 

The rabbits appeared, all agog, with their 
fishing rods and baskets, and they all repaired 
to the scene of operations. 

It was a hot, still July day ; the trees, of a 
uniform shaded green, hung motionless in the 


108 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


still air, and the stream looked clear and inviting 
as it swelled between its verdant banks, overhung 
with arching boughs. The path lay alongside 
the river, which had cut a deep course for 
itself, a good deal lower than the house, and was 
approached by several flights of steep steps, 
partly artificial and partly natural. 

The stream turned and wound like a serpent, 
and it took the children twenty minutes to get to 
the old mill bridge, though when they arrived. 
Honor pointed out to Audrey the mellow castle 
battlements almost overhanging them, high above 
the tops of the trees. 

It was a cool shady walk, and Audrey looked 
about her in admiration of its sylvan beauty. 

The children, however, to whom it was all 
familiar, chattered incessantly, and told her 
where all the points of interest were. There 
was the boathouse, where there used to be four 
Rob Roy canoes kept, and the others ” had 
bumping races, until one day Dick upset Alison, 
and both had such a ducking, that the sport was 
forbidden from that day^ henceforward. 

How the moorhens always laid under that 
bank, and how they had once found a deserted 
nest with twelve eggs in. How they had 
taken them up, and given them to Pat’s bantam 


A RESCUE 


109 


hen to sit on. How in a short time she had 
hatched out twelve black little children with red 
noses. How they had brought them down to the 
river again in a basket, and how — in a tragic 
whisper — they had one and all ventured into the 
running water, and been drowned, and gone to 
heaven. 

^‘But,’’ said Audrey, ^^how strange that they 
couldn’t swim.” 

Mummy said their own mother would have 
taught them to, but Mrs. Bantam didn’t know 
their language.” 

"Wouldn’t it be funny,” said Roger, ^^if 
Mummy had a whole lot of little black babies ? ” 
With red noses,” put in Pat, and couldn’t talk 
their language ? ” 

Very funny,” agreed Audrey, gravely. 

Then there were the rapids, where they floated 
their boats, and where Bodge had lost a beautiful 
new submarine, because he would make it dive 
under a waterfall, though Pat had told him 
not to. 

I was too young,” said Roger. I didn’t 
know. But Gigs gave me another, a much bigger 
one, and I’ve got it still. I’ll show it you some 
day. Look, there’s a wat, see, swimming across.” 

Are there any otters here ?” enquired Audrey. 


110 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Yes, sometimes/’ said Pat. “ The otter hunters 
are coming next week. I don’t like them much, 
and we aren’t allowed to go with them. We get 
so wet. But Gigs and Dick go out sometimes.” 

I’m going when I^m big enough,” said Roger. 

Father says I may.” 

Audrey picked a big bunch of wild forget- 
me-nots and meadowsweet, and decorated the 
rabbits’ hats. She made a posy for Roger, to 
wear in his buttonhole, and was quite sorry when 
the children pointed out the old mill bridge. 

The water ran much deeper here, and swept 
under the pretty moss-grown piers with quite a 
rush, into an old mill race, which, though disused 
now, hurried past the rotting remnants of an 
antiquated water wheel, and rejoined the stream 
lower down, in a deep pool. 

Below the bridge it widened out into a shallow 
sunny reach, and Roger pointed out an almost 
invisible browny-green object, quietly swinging 
with the current, among a tangle of water weeds, 
and hardly to be distinguished from them, as the 
‘^wipping twout” of his dreams. 

Audrey’s unaccustomed eyes had great diffi- 
culty in distinguishing him, but Roger had his 
shoes and socks off in a moment, and while the 
little girls were fitting their light rods together. 


A RESCUE 


111 


Roger crept out through the shallow water 
to a big flat stone overhanging the place, and 
beckoned Audrey to follow him. 

Seeing what was expected of her, Audrey 
followed his example, and watched with interest 
the little chubby hand plunged in elbow deep, 
gradually approaching the unconscious fish, 
insinuating itself under it, and softly with a 
gentle rubbing motion, stroking and tickling it, 
while it seemed to be almost mesmerised by the 
sensation. But alas, as Roger had said, the deft 
twist of the hand, and dexterous turn of the 
wrist, known to the adept, were beyond his 
powers, and too rapid a movement of his gave the 
alarm, and the fish was gone, with one sweep of 
his tail, causing barely a ripple on the surface. 

Roger withdrew his hand, and looked up with 
a tragic expression. 

“Never mind,” whispered Audrey. “There 
are plenty more. It was wonderful how you kept 
him there. I didn’t know what you were going 
to do. Next time I shall know, and will help 
you.” 

“ There’s another place lower down,” whispered 
Roger, “just below the bank there. But my 
arm is wather too short. P’raps if you held my 
legs, I could weach.” 


112 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


They paddled out of the water, and took up 
their new position. Here the bank shelved 
steeply over, and underneath its shelter Audrey 
saw three trout basking. 

She and Roger lay flat on the bank, the little 
boy craning over to get his arm into the water. 

Suddenly a rending noise was heard, the bank 
gave way beneath them, and Audrey felt herself 
being precipitated into the stream. 

She clutched wildly at an old tree root that 
held, and by its aid pulled herself back into 
safety. For an instant she stood bewildered, 
then was recalled by a piercing shriek from Pat, 
above on the bridge. 

Oh, Roger, Roger, oh, he’ll be drowned ! 
Look, look, oh, save him, save him ! ” 

The little boy had been flung into the current, 
which had rapidly drawn him into the mill race, 
and Audrey’s horrified gaze caught a glimpse of 
a white shirt and curly head being irresistibly 
sucked under by the cruel waters. 

With a cry she sprang into the river again. 
She had no time to take off anything, but being 
without shoes or stockings, and wearing only a 
light summer skirt, she was able to keep her 
head above water, and swam steadily with the 
stream, her whole heart in her eyes, looking for 


A RESCUE 


113 


the child, as the white blouse appeared and 
disappeared. 

The old mill wheel was broken away, and 
the water did not turn it, but Audrey felt with 
a sick horror, with what a merciless blow 
that little curly head would come against the 
unyielding timber, if she could not reach him 
in time. 

She felt the full power of the stream carry 
her on. She prayed with her whole heart and 
soul for some agency to arrest the child’s progress, 
to check his rush to destruction. 

And as if in answer to her petition, she saw a 
black snag of timber catch in the loose sailor 
blouse — bend — strain — and hold. 

It was only for a moment, but Audrey was 
able to reach him, to clutch him, and though 
unable to check her downward rush, she was 
able to guide herself and the little lifeless form 
through the broken gap under the old wheel, 
and out into the deep pool below. 

Once free of the current, she was able to swim 
to shore, still supporting the little boy, and to 
drag him out on the bank. 

Though of course drenched and breathless, she 
had not been choked or forced to swallow much 
water, and after a moment of gasping and 


114 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


panting, she began to manipulate the child’s 
body, as she had been taught, to restore the life 
breath. 

Poor little Roger, it did indeed look hopeless. 
His little face was blue, his eyes half closed, and 
his lips open and white. But Audrey worked 
steadily, drawing his arms over his head, and 
pressing them to his sides, till the little girls 
arrived, terrified and breathless, and she was 
able to give them instructions. Patricia ran 
sobbing towards home, and Honor to the nearest 
keeper’s cottage, whence she speedily returned 
with a brown-faced young keeper, with blankets, 
brandy, and strong efficient aid. 

By the time they arrived, Audrey, to her 
unspeakable joy, had detected faint signs of life, 
and a drop of brandy poured into the child’s 
mouth was swallowed. 

He’ll do now,” said the man, with a deep 
breath of relief, and the trees and sky and river 
whirled round in a mad dance as Audrey fell 
back unconscious. 

When she came to she was lying in bed. 
She opened her eyes, and wondered where she 
was. Then she became aware of a soft move- 
ment, and Lady Heversham’s beautiful face, 
white and strained, bent over her. 


A RESCUE 


115 


Thank God,” she heard in a soft whisper, 
and the next moment a strange face, with a 
brown beard and kind keen eyes, appeared. 

Audrey felt something on her head, and put 
up a feeble hand, to find herself bandaged. 

A glass of something warm and pungent was 
put against her lips. She swallowed a mouthful, 
and suddenly recollection came back. 

Roger ! ” she said. Oh, Roger, is he alive ? ” 

Yes, indeed, my darling, thanks to you,” 
said Lady Heversham, and Audrey, amazed, saw 
that her eyes were wet with tears. 

But I don’t understand,” she said. Why 
am I in bed ? ” 

You cut your head against something,” said 
the doctor’s voice. It knocked some of the 
sense out of it, but it’s coming back now. 
You’ve been a good brave child, but you mustn’t 
talk any more now. Roger’s as right as a trivet, 
but you must try to get to sleep, and then you 
shall hear all about it.” 

‘^1 — feel — sleepy,” murmured Audrey dream- 
ily, and closing her eyes obediently, dropped into 
a deep slumber. 

That’s all right,” whispered the doctor, sig- 
nalling Lady Heversham to come out of the 
room with him. 


116 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She’ll soon come round now/’ he said. 

There is slight concussion, but 1 see no 
unfavourable symptoms. Leave her to sleep till 
she wakes naturally. Nurse can sit in the next 
room, and have some strong soup ready when 
she wakes. A day or two in bed, and no 
conversation, is all she wants. A plucky child. 
I’ll call in again this afternoon.” 

Lady Heversham went on into the schoolroom, 
where she found an agitated party awaiting the 
doctor’s verdict. 

Audrey’s continued unconsciousness had 
alarmed them a good deal. When the rescue 
party from the Castle had arrived they had 
found Honor and the keeper at their wit’s end, 
for though Roger was slowly coming back to life, 
Audrey could not be restored by any means 
known to them. 

The blow on her head must have been given 
by the old mill wheel, as they were whirled 
under it, and had bled profusely, but she had 
not noticed it in her intense pre-occupation over 
Roger. When the strain was relieved, the 
injury had asserted itself, and her state of 
insensibility had lasted some hours. 

Gerard and Marjorie were in the schoolroom 
with the children, all waiting with anxious faces. 


A RESCUE 


117 


When their mother gave them the good news, 
there was a general cry of relief and thankfulness, 
tongues were unloosed, and everybody began to 
talk at once. 

Honor and Pat, as the only eye-witnesses, 
enjoyed their importance, and described over and 
over again, how’ Audrey and Roger were lying 
on the bank, and how it had slipped in, and 
Roger was thrown into the deep water and 
carried down, that Audrey had scrambled back, 
but the moment she saw what had happened had 
sprung in again. The frantic race downstream, 
the providential snag that had caught the child, 
Audrey’s presence of mind in seizing him, and 
guiding them both through the gap into the 
calm water beyond, was told again and again, 
while Lady Heversham, usually so reserved, 
cried for pure thankfulness, and everybody’s 
eyes were wet. 

Alison was the first to recover herself, and to 
discover that in the excitement nobody had had 
any lunch, and that it was nearly four o’clock. 
She rang the bell and ordered tea, which every- 
body discovered was exactly what they wanted, 
and soon restored them all to commonsense and 
calmness. 


CHAPTER XI 


PASTORAL PLAY’’ 


“Come sit down, every mother’s son, and rehearse 
your parts.” 


Shakespeare. 


No/’ said Gerard, firmly, entirely decline 
to take Orlando. He is distinctly not my style. 
Besides, think of making love to Marjorie. The 
idea is too far fetched.” 

“ Well, what will you be ? ” said Marjorie, with 
resignation. ^^You must have a decent part, 
you know.” 

Of course it would be awkward if the 
audience rose and cleared the stage,” he agreed. 

Well, I don’t mind Touchstone. Robin Adair 
can be Orlando. That’ll make his young heart 
beat.” 

Oh, no,” said Marjorie hastily, turning rather 
pink. I don’t think he’s good enough.” 

“ Not good enough, and he a leading light in 


“A PASTORAL PLAY” 


119 


the A.D.C. Don’t be hypercritical, my child. 
It doesn’t suit your appearance.” 

^^Well, make somebody else Rosalind then. 
I should feel too silly in those .” 

Divided skirts,” suggested Gerard. Well, 
if he isn’t on the stage, he’ll be in the audience, 
you know. Of course we might cast Pat for 
Rosalind, but everybody else is suited.” 

“ Are we ? ” exclaimed Alison. “ The first 
I’ve heard of it.” 

Don’t give me a good part,” implored 
Audrey. “ I’ve never acted in my life, and 
should simply expire with terror.” 

Your part was written for you, and settled 
by the author, three hundred years ago,” said 
Gerard. I’ll read the names if you like.” 

Mr. Whatshisname is the Duke Frederick. 
Father takes the banished Duke. Melancholy 
Jaques can be Marjorie’s other flame, Fram- 
lingham.” 

Much too fat,” objected Marjorie. 

My good child, are you stage manager or am 
I ? ” demanded Gerard. “ Of course you can 
have him for Orlando, if you like. Very well, 
then. You can sit down.” 

“ Lilian Adair takes Celia. Alison, Phebe. 
Miss Denver, of course, Audrey. The rabbits 


120 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


take the pages — and must learn to sing in tune. 
William and Corin and Charles and Adam, and 
all that lot, will be offered for competition among 
the youths of the neighbourhood. We shall 
have one or two stopping here also. Jack 
Eraser and Malcolm. I believe Colonel Adair 
acts too. WeTl ask him. 

Now this table has grown remarkably hard, 
and my brain requires a rest. Let’s go and eat 
peaches. Remember, there’s no appeal from the 
stage manager’s decision. Miss Denver, put 
down that Shakespeare. You’ll have a clear 
week to learn three sentences in, and the worse 
you do it, the more lifelike you’ll be.” 

“Haven’t you any more girls’ parts?” said 
Alison. “ I believe the Adairs have some 
visitors coming.” 

“ There are no feminine parts left,” said 
Gerard. “ Careless of Shakespeare, but so it is. 
If Alison would take Charles or Adam, one of 
them could do Phebe.” 

“ Oh, do let me give up my part,” begged 
Audrey. “ I know I shall make a mess of it.” 

“ If you say another word. I’ll cast you for 
Rosalind,” said Gerard with decision, and Audrey, 
feeling he was capable of anything, collapsed. 

“ We’ll come and see the stage, when we’ve 


PASTORAL PLAY^’ 


121 


done eating peaches/’ said Marjorie, as the party 
trooped out of the schoolroom, where they had 
been consulting. 

There was to be a great junketing on the 
occasion of Gerard’s coming of age, and among 
other festivities, a pastoral play was to be acted. 
Scenes from ^^As You Like It” had been 
selected, and as there was a good deal of 
dramatic talent in the family, and some of them 
had acted in it before, it seemed possible that 
the pretty comedy would not be too much 
burlesqued. 

The exciting episode of last week had passed 
without any lasting injury to either of the 
performers in it, and Audrey had resumed her 
place in the family, but, as she felt, on a different 
footing. 

She no longer considered Lady Heversham 
aloof” or alarming. She found the tender 
mother heart under the stately manners, and 
had felt herself drawn in and enveloped in the 
warm family affection that characterised all the 
Dorincourts. 

She had found herself quite a heroine when 
she had come downstairs again, and poor Audrey, 
deprived as she had been all her life of praise, or 
love, or even the feeling that she was welcome 


122 


HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


in the world, had glowed and expanded in the 
atmosphere of approval and admiration. 

Lord Heversham couldn’t make enough of her. 
Lady Heversham had nursed and petted her 
back to health, as if she had been her own 
daughter, and Audrey found herself included in 
her nightly habit of visiting each child in bed, 
with the goodnight kiss, and comfortable tucking 
up, which at first had made her cry herself to 
sleep with pure pleasure. 

Dick and Alison regarded her with the 
greatest respect, and the children fairly adored 
her. 

Gerard had not said much, but his keen eyes 
were turned upon her oftener than she knew, 
and his cool speeches were tinged with a 
chivalrous admiration that all their apparent 
flippancy could not wholly disguise. 

So Audrey was very happy. 

Her visit would naturally have terminated 
before the date of Gerard’s coming of age, but 
she found the idea of leaving was scouted as 
simply inhuman by the entire party, and after 
a very half-hearted resistance, had agreed to 
pass the rest of the holidays with them. They 
were going to Scotland at the end of August, 
and she was to join them there. 


PASTORAL PLAY’^ 


123 


Presently she found herself walking with 
Gerard, who had somehow managed to detach 
her from the rest of the party, and had guided 
her into the fruit pergola. This was a covered 
walk, where pear and apple trees were trained 
over arches, affording complete shelter from 
either weather or observation. 

“ Look here. Miss Denver,” he said, “ we’ve 
got a little bit together, you know. We ought to 
rehearse it now and then. Would it be a great 
bore to you to make a regular arrangement about 
it? I shall never get all these irresponsible 
young people together if we don’t make some 
rules.” 

All right,” said Audrey. Tell me when it 
would suit you.” 

I understand you like a swim in the middle 
of the day,” he said, and possibly you consider 
some meals are necessary. How would this time 
suit you? Six o’clock in the fruit pergola, until 
further notice. Bring your book, and we’ll say 
our lessons together.” 

She assented, and they paced the rest of the 
walk in silence. Then Gerard spoke again. ‘^1 
haven’t said much, but you mustn’t think that, 
like the parrot, I haven’t thought the more. 
Miss Denver, I don’t think it’s possible to put 


124 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


into words, but we all feel that your splendid 
courage and presence of mind saved a tragedy 
that would have shadowed our lives for ever. 
My mother’s heart would have been half broken, 
I believe, and I am sometimes superstitiously 
afraid that we are almost too happy, too pros- 
perous, that there must be some cloud in store, 
to balance all these years of sunshine, to bring 
up the average rainfall, in fact,” he added, with a 
return to his light manner. 

Audrey replied seriously. “But surely you 
haven’t been perfectly happy all your lives.” 

“ My parents certainly had rather a hard 
start in life,” he said. “ My father was a 
younger son, or rather a son of a younger sister, 
and was precious hard up. My dear mother 
was no heiress, and they married rather against 
advice. They lived on love and a crust for 
several years, and had a good deal of anxiety. 
I can dimly remember the change my father’s 
unexpected succession made in our affairs. 
Luckily my great uncle was a saving man, and 
also found haematite iron on some of his north 
country property, or I suppose we should still be 
in a tight place. The rents of this property 
don’t do more than pay for its upkeep, in these 
cheerful days for landowners. But the iron 


“K PASTORAL PLAY 


125 


makes it all right, and so we have a penny or 
two to spare, though we are so thick on the 
ground. If poor Uncle Hugh had not died when 
he did, or had left an heir, I suppose my father 
would have still been a barrister, and not a very 
successful one, or popped into a County Court 
Judgeship, or such like. I should have been a 
far more useful member of society, earning my 
bread in some more or less menial capacity. 
Dick, I suppose, at a grammar school receiving 
a far better education than he does at Eton, and 
Marjorie teaching the kiddies, and turning their 
frocks. Oh, we should be very hard up.’’ 

I know what that is,” said Audrey. It is 
pretty bad, but some people do it worse than 
others. I often think my cousins would be 
much more comfortable if they would do things 
differently. But they have been brought up so, 
and they can’t help it, poor things.” 

Where do you get your experience. Miss 
Denver ? ” asked Gerard. I don’t detect any 
white hairs, such as should accompany such 
words of wisdom. But I understand they make 
wonderful hair dyes now-a-days.” 

Well,” said Audrey, laughing, I stay a lot 
with school friends, you know. One girl belongs 
to very poor people, but awfully nice, and they 


126 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


have a dear little clean cottage, with one servant, 
and they spare enough to send her to Miss 
Fenwick’s. She helps with the teaching there. 
They have everything so nice, and make you so 
comfortable. But some people are always uncom- 
fortable, and say it’s because they are poor. It’s 
only because they are stupid.” 

Hear, hear,” said Gerard, softly. And, of 
course, that is a failing that we cannot sympathise 
with.” 

Let^s go back,” said Audrey. I’m perfectly 
starving to get at my part.” 

^^No hurry,” said Gerard, lazily. But she 
was not to be dissuaded, and ran off, leaving the 
young man alone. 

He sat down on a garden seat, drew out his 
cigarette case, and gazed at it without seeing it 
for several minutes. Then he laughed to himself, 
took out a cigarette, lighted it, and settled down 
to a smoke. 


CHAPTER XII 

“A STARTLING DISCOVERY” 

This accident and flood of fortune, 

So far exceed all instance, all discourse. 

That I am ready to distrust mine eyes.” 

Shakespeare. 

The pastoral pla}^ was duly rehearsed, and as 
usual the minor parts caused far more agitation 
to the actors, and trouble to the authorities, 
than the important ones. 

Marjorie was a capital actress, and had done 
the part before. Orlando had had plenty of 
experience, and whatever his private bliss might 
have been, was much too well bred to allow it 
to appear, so only an occasional tremble in his 
pleasant voice betrayed him to the initiated. 

Rosalind’s doublet and hose” were cut in a 
demurely decorous style, and were extremely 
becoming. 

Lilian Adair made a sweet and unsophisticated 
Celia, and was deeply relieved that she had not 
127 


128 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


to act with Gerard, who exercised a paralysing 
effect upon her intellect. 

The part of Oliver was taken by one George 
Malcolm, an Oxford friend of Gerard’s, and a 
littery gent,” as Dick called him. 

Our Audrey learned her few lines with as- 
siduous care, and looked forward to the great 
day with a mixture of terror and joy. 

The sloping lawn on the west side of the house 
was chosen for the stage, and a large marquee 
was erected to hold the audience. 

Screens covered with evergreens were put up 
for the exits and entrances, and the actors were 
able to dress in the house, the battlements and 
turrets of which made a picturesque if rather 
incongruous background for the Forest of Arden, 
though very appropriate for the scenes in front of 
the Duke’s palace. 

The indoor scenes were left out, or merged, 
and the big cedar tree made a grateful shade 
under which the banished Duke entertained his 
sylvan court. 

Dick had absolutely refused to take any part, 
being at that self-conscious age when our every 
action is of supreme importance, and one’s own 
individuality the pivot upon which society 
turns. 


STARTLING DISCOVERY” 129 


But Lady Heversham was thankful, she said, 
to have one member of the family who was not 
stage struck, and welcomed Dick’s assistance in 
receiving and marshalling the company to their 
places. 

As Gerard had foreseen, there had been no 
difficulty in collecting enough local talent to fill 
the minor parts, and all promised well. 

The sun rose on a cloudless autumn day, and 
the gardens looked a perfect blaze of colour. The 
only flaw in the weather, as Lilian said, was its 
absolute windlessness, so that all the gay flags 
hung motionless against their staffs, and might 
as well not have been there at all. 

Tlie red and white stripes of the various tents, 
however, contrasted with the August green of 
the trees, and supplied the necessary touch of 
colour. 

Audrey did not appear in the first part at all, 
and standing behind one of the leafy screens, 
listened with entranced interest, as if she had 
not heard it rehearsed a hundred times before. 

Bob Adair began Orlando’s soliloquy with 
some nervousness, but when Oliver came in the 
two soon warmed up to their quarrel. 

Harold Adair, who had been pressed into the 
very small part of Dennis, was taken with stage 


130 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


fright, and being pushed on by Lilian, merely 
stood with chattering teeth, endeavouring to 
explain the presence of Charles the Wrestler. 
Orlando took pity on him, and put the words 
into his mouth, after which he fled in an agony 
of blushes, to be sardonically congratulated by 
Dick, who had come behind.” 

The wrestling scene was a great success, the 
burly Charles, a son of the Vicar, having stipu- 
lated that a mattress should be prepared for him, 
covered with green moss, upon which, Orlando, 
with a little rather transparent manoeuvring, 
laid him neatly on his back, amidst the cheers of 
the audience and jeers of his kindred. 

Then Rosalind and Celia, splendid in mediaeval 
court dress, entered, soon followed by Gerard as 
Touchstone. His entrance was greeted with such 
a round of applause that a less cool-headed 
person might have been put out, but he merely 
favoured his audience with a mediaeval caper in 
character, which made a very effective entrance, 
though unpremeditated. 

Lord Heversham, as the banished Duke, had 
taken upon him such a portly presence, in his 
furred robes, false hair, and drooping moustache, 
slightly touched with grey, that Audrey hardly 
knew him, and it took the audience a minute or 


STARTLING DISCOVERY’’ 131 


two, among an agitated flutter of playbills, to 
recognise him. 

The scene in the palace had perforce to take 
place out of doors, and the next scene had to he 
placarded, in true Shakespearean style, as The 
Forest of Arden.” 

But the removal of the Duke’s pavilion, the 
wrestling lists and the bright carpets, made the 
scene quite sufficiently different, and certainly 
the company assembled there found no fault. 

Gerard came behind in his motley, stifling his 
bauble bells with a stern gesture, and threw him- 
self all along the grass at Audrey’s feet. 

It’s wonderful easy to be a fool,” he quoted. 

A man may be a fool and not know it.” 

^^How well they received you,” said Audrey. 

They quite interrupted the performance.” 

^^Oh, well, of course I am a jolly fine fellow,” 
he said. At least we have carefully educated 
our friends to think so, and it is difficult to alter 
the habits of a lifetime, especially on an occasion 
like this. I hope you also remembered to clap 
me, Audrey — I crave pardon. Miss Denver.” 

I think I was too busy watching,” she said. 

I never thought of it.” 

missed it,” he said sadly. Remember 
next time, please.” 


132 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^‘1 believe next time is on the stage,” said 
Audrey. Oh dear, my heart gets cold and 
turns over with a flop when I think of it.” 

“Well, you can’t be worse than Dennis,” 
said Gerard consolingly. “And the more you 
blush and stammer, the more you’ll be like the 
part.” 

Then Rosalind, in her boy’s dress, called forth 
tumultuous plaudits, and her pretty, shy manner 
was so attractive that Gerard touched Audrey to 
observe Orlando, who, leaning up against another 
screen at the opposite wing, could be distinctly 
seen to change colour and drop his scroll. 
“ Poor chap,” said Gerard. “ The sweet youth^s 
in love.” 

“Poor Captain Adair,” said Audrey with 
sympathy. “I think this is rather hard on 
him.” 

“ Much harder on Framlingham,” said Gerard 
darkly. 

“ Oh, do you really think that ? ” said Audrey, 
with breathless interest. 

“My good child — I beg pardon, my good 
Miss Denver,” said Gerard, “my opportunities 
have been limited, and my experience small, but 
my intuition is infallible, and my instinct never 
wrong.” 


STARTLING DISCOVERY’^ 133 


Oh, well,” laughed Audrey, I suppose then 
there’s no more to be said. I say, there’s your 
cue.” 

The songs sounded very charming to the ac- 
companiment of a harp and flutes, and Amiens’ 
song was loudly encored. Lord Framlingham, 
though not as slim as he had been, looked 
melancholy enough as Jaques, and if he uttered 
his wise saws and modern instances in rather a 
wooden manner, Audrey felt so much for him 
that she hardly observed it, and attributed 
possibly a more heart-broken cadence to his 
voice than he himself was conscious of. 

Orlando’s part became more and more senti- 
mental as the play went on, and Marjorie, alter- 
nately grave and gay, simple and fresh, full of 
delightful coquetry and lovable humour, seemed 
the very incarnation of Rosalind. 

Touchstone was a good deal more on the stage 
in the second act, and then Audrey perceived 
that her turn had come. When Gerard, jingling 
in his cap and bells, led her on to the stage, 
before thousands of eyes, she was scarlet with 
confusion, and her tongue tripped so over her 
first speech that the audience, taking it for 
simulated, not real shyness, cheered her loudly^ 
which gave her a chance of recovering herself. 


134 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Touchstone’s gay, serio-comic banter was so 
like his usual manner with her, that she gave 
him back her rustic retorts with spirit, and was 
quite sorry when it was over. 

So the pretty play wore to its close. The 
shadows lengthened across the green velvet turf, 
and the golden splendour of the sunset sky lit 
up the faces of the actors and their graceful garb, 
till the audience felt the glamour of the poet- 
wizard envelop them, and could hardly believe 
that the scene before them was not real, and 
they themselves, with their prosaic twentieth 
century costume, thoughts, and preoccupations, 
were but the shadows of a dream. 

But at last it was over, all the stage lovers 
were made happy, and the onlookers, with an 
universal sigh of regret, rose to their feet to 
award the actors the only thanks in their power 
for their sojourn in the enchanted land of 
Romance. 

Audrey, with her eyes full of tears, found 
herself drawn on by Gerard, in response to 
repeated calls for Touchstone, in spite of her 
holding back, and protesting that they didn’t 
want her. 

Lady Heversham heard observations behind 
her of, Who is Audrey ? They might be brother 


STARTLING DISCOVERY” 135 


and sister.” She must be a relation.” A 
sweet looking girl. What name did yon say ? ” 

Denver.” Denver.” I wonder who she 
is. I don’t know the name at all.” What a 
wonderful amateur actor Lord Windlesham is. 
He quite makes one feel that he is in earnest.” 

Lady Heversham, struck by a sudden thought, 
glanced rather anxiously at the young couple, as 
they bowed and retired. But she was reassured 
by Gerard’s expression of slightly ironical detach- 
ment, and said to herself, Nonsense, a child 
like that. It couldn’t be. A boy at Gerard’s 
age generally falls in love with a woman of forty. 
But we can look upon her as a dear daughter, 
without that complication,” and her hand fell 
caressingly upon the curly pate of little Roger, 
who was as usual closely attached to her skirts. 

The performers came out in their stage dresses, 
and fell upon the cold collation ” prepared for 
them with a very matter of fact avidity. 

But Audrey was still in the land of dreams, 
and could hardly bear the loud and cheerful talk 
around her, and though she found her devoted 
Touchstone proffering every kind of refreshment, 
solid and liquid, she slipped away, and running 
up to her own room, sat down on the wide chintz- 
covered window seat, and gazing, chin in hand. 


136 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


over tlie open blue distance, tried to live it all 
over again, and recall the sensations of that 
wonderful afternoon. 

Her window looked out on the southern side 
of the house, and the gay company were all 
clustered round the tea tents where the band of 
the R.A. were discoursing sweet music, so the 
beautiful prospect before her was empty of 
humanity. 

But one marquee was pitched in sight of the 
window, and as Audrey gazed dreamily at it, a 
light breeze from the south rose, and lifted the 
light folds of the flag that drooped above it. 

As the banner blew out, something familiar in 
its emblazonment caught Audrey’s eye. 

Where had she seen that design before ? A 
knight’s helmet wreathed in laurel. Below a 
shield, supported by two unsheathed swords, 
bearing a couchant lion, clasping in his paws an 
earl’s coronet. Below again, a scroll, with the 
defiant motto — Wake me not.” 

Where had she seen that before ? 

In a blinding flash it came to her. It was the 
coat-of-arms she had deciphered on her dead 
father’s signet ring. 


CHAPTER XIII 


PEKPLEXITY 

But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in 
To saucy doubts and fears.” 

Shakespeare. 

Audrey sat quite still for a long time, she 
hardly knew how long. 

Instinct told her that she was right in her 
strong conviction. 

Commonsense made a feeble effort to assert 
itself. ^^My good child,” she heard herself 
saying in Gerard’s manner, ^^how you do jump 
to conclusions. The fact that your father had a 
signet ring with the Heversham arms on it, does 
not exactly prove that he was related to the 
family. He might have come by it in fifty ways, 
by gift or purchase, or exchange. The fact that 
his name was Hugh, and that he died on the 
same day as Hugh Alured Dorincourt, is a 
coincidence that proves nothing. A great deal 
would have to be ascertained and verified, and 

137 


138 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


no lawyers would accept such very sketchy 
evidence.” 

On the other side, there was the curious family 
likeness, that Audrey had seen and secretly 
rejoiced in, and above all, said Romance, surely 
blood is thicker than water. Why should you 
have fallen in love so instantly with these 
people ? Granted that they are charming people, 
and that this is a singularly pleasant house to 
stay in. But what put you, a little humble 
schoolgirl, brought up in suburban surroundings, 
entirely unused to society, unaccustomed to the 
luxuries of wealth and the conventions of rank, 
so entirely at your ease ? You were at home with 
them all from the beginning, and they with you. 

Commonsense and Logic were hopelessly out- 
trumped by their two opponents. Intuition and 
Romance. 

Now what was Audrey to do ? 

She began to picture to herself the results of 
her discovery. She thought she should first tell 
Gerard, who would inform his father. Audrey, 
though young, was wise enough to know that 
legal forms must be gone through, even if there 
were no opposition to her claim. From what she 
knew of the family, she was sure they would not 
dispute it or endeavour to support their position. 


PERPLEXITY 


139 


by any legal technicalities, if they were convinced 
of her relationship. 

She thought of her proofs. The marriage 
certificate, her mother’s and father’s letters. It 
did not occur to her that her father having 
married under a false name might make a 
difficulty. 

Audrey had lived so much alone, all her life, 
that she had not been much in the habit of taking 
counsel with others, but had worked out her own 
problems by herself. 

Little problems about lessons, of graver 
questions, of rights and wrongs among her 
schoolfellows, relative merits of public people, 
and historical characters. She had never talked 
things over much, except with her kind and 
sensible mistress. Miss Fenwick. 

But instinctively Audrey felt that this was 
not a question for anyone outside the family. 

The mere idea of consulting her uncle made 
her shrink. How well she knew what he would 
say. How utterly ridiculous, even insane, would 
he consider the idea that there should be any 
doubt in her mind as to her proper course. 

“ The Countess of Heversham, in her own 
right.” Unconsciously Audrey’s head raised 
itself a little higher. Hers was the noble 


140 


HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


heritage she had so honoured. All that splendid 
ancestry was hers. Their blood, the blood of 
statesmen, of warriors, of leaders of men, and 
women too, of honour, courage, and lofty 
principles, ran in her veins. Could she, the 
representative of that noble line^ be worthy 
of it ? 

The thought made her eyes sparkle and her 
cheek glow. She rose and began pacing the 
room with quick steps. What would happen, she 
thought, supposing her claim allowed. 

She would reign here, here in beautiful stately 
Dorincourt. The historic house, the exquisite 
garden, the stately park, were all hers. Hers by 
right. She had only to put out her hand to 
take them. 

Then came the consideration. What would 
the Dorincourts do? She thought of Gerard’s 
description of his father, as a rather struggling 
barrister, perhaps with luck a County Court 
Judge in a provincial town. Lady Heversham, 
despoiled of her state, her velvets and sables, the 
Dorincourt jewels that she wore so gracefully ^ 
and adorned in the wearing. Audrey tried to 
imagine her on foot in muddy lanes, clad in 
rough tweed, or driving in omnibuses. 

Poor Gerard, working in a lawyer’s office, or 


PERPLEXITY 


141 


even finding it hard to get work. She was sure 
he would make no fuss. He would laugh, and 
set himself to do his duty, but it would be hard 
for him to begin at the beginning, and, oh dear, 
it was all very difficult. 

Dick might go on at school, but Audrey knew 
that was an expensive business, and the vision of 
dear Marjorie, teaching or working, turning the 
rabbits' frocks," as Gerard had said, was a grievous 
idea. 

Of course it would all be very useful, and no 
doubt they would make themselves happy, and 
be as brave as possible, but Audrey could not 
bear the thought of it for them. 

She was used to it, the narrow suburban life, 
with its petty round of small duties, and second- 
rate pleasures, the society of limited intellects, 
the sordid cares of life, that seemed to shut out 
great aspirations and wide horizons. 

She knew that the Dorincourts were all well 
educated. That they had never been mere 
idlers. Each child had its allotted round of 
duties. Their position had never been allowed 
to make them vain, or useless. 

As Gerard had said — how many of Gerard’s 
words came back to her — his father looked 
upon his position as a trust, and had always 


142 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


been prepared to render an account of his 
stewardship. How few would be as prepared. 
The picture rose before her of their happy, 
useful, beautiful family life, with their splendid 
background ; and she thought it would be like 
destroying a priceless work of art, or defacing 
some exquisite scene of natural beauty, to 
disturb them. What was she to do? What 
was she to do? 

Just then a knock on the door interrupted 
her perplexed musings. Come in,” she said 
mechanically, and Alison entered. 

Why, Audrey,” she began, “ have you been 
here all the time ? We have simply exhausted 
ourselves with searching for you. The people 
have nearly all gone, except the Adairs and their 
friends. We are going to have a little dancing. 
There is to be an ^ As You Like It ’ Lancers, and 
Touchstone says he must have his Audrey. 
Mother says we must stop at nine and have 
some supper, instead of regular dinner. We had 
tea so lately that w^e felt we couldn’t bear the 
sight of food before. It is half-past six now\ 
Do come down. Why, Audrey, you haven’t 
been crying? What^s the matter, dear thing? 
Nothing wrong, is there ? Oh, Audrey, don’t.” 

For poor Audrey, exhausted by conflicting 


PERPLEXITY 


143 


emotions, and fairly worn out by the various 
excitements of the day, had broken down, to 
her intense mortification, and was sobbing on 
Alison s shoulder, trying to explain between half 
hysterical paroxysms, that it was nothing, she 
was only a great goose. There was nothing the 
matter, only it had all been so beautiful, and 
they had all been so kind. 

Alison saw she was overdone, applied eau-de- 
cologne and cold water, and comforting words till 
Audrey had controlled herself, and pressed her 
to lie down and not bother about the dancing. 

‘^But the Lancers,” said Audrey. must 
come for that.” 

Never mind about that,” said Alison. I 
daresay they have forgotten all about them by 
now.” 

I’m all right again now,” said Audrey. Do 
I look an object?” 

^^Not a bit,” said Alison, honestly. ^^You 
look rather jolly with your cheeks all flushed 
and your eyes bright. Don’t come down if you 
feel shaky, and I’ll get you some sal volatile or 
something from Marjorie.” 

Oh, no, I want to come,” said Audrey. She 
felt she could not be left alone with her own 
reflections any longer. 


144 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


So the two girls descended to the hall, which 
was cleared for dancing, being of a more 
manageable size than the ballroom. 

They were greeted with joy, and the Shake- 
spearean Lancers were quickly arranged. 

Audrey still felt rather dreamlike, but Gerard, 
after a quick glance at her, divined some kind of 
emotion, and made himself so agreeable to his 
other neighbour, that Audrey was left un- 
disturbed, and was soon laughing and dancing 
as gaily as anybody. 

The Adairs had brought a large party, and 
there were some twenty guests at Dorincourt, so 
it was quite a ball, to Audrey’s eyes, though at 
an unusual hour. 

In future,” Gerard said to her, we will 
arrange for all balls to begin at six and end at 
nine. Think what a relief to the chaperones 
and what an improvement to our complexions. 
We should all grow young again.” 

“ What a capital Touchstone Lord Windlesham 
made,” said Lilian to Audrey, as they were 
sitting together later. He is so amusing. My 
father says he was better than any professional 
Touchstone he has ever seen. But I did pity 
you, acting with him.” 

Why ? I liked it,” said downright Audrey. 


PERPLEXITY 


145 


I can’t think why he makes me feel such an 
idiot/’ said Lilian. ‘‘1 think it is that one 
never knows when he is in earnest. Oh, did 
you ever see anything so killing as Harold? 
He stood there, simply mouthing and jibbering, 
till I thought I should have died of laughter. 
I wonder if the audience could hear us.” 

Lucky he had such a short part,” said 
Audrey. ^^He looks very jolly now, he seems 
to have got over it all right.” 

We shall never get him on the stage again,” 
observed Lilian. ^^Bob is so awfully fond of 
it, he made him try, but Harold says now he’s 
going to be a missionary, instead.” 

He doesn’t look much like a missionary at 
this moment,” said Audrey. Harold was holding 
a sponge cake in his mouth, and encouraging the 
rabbits to jump for it. 

Audrey had plenty of partners, but was much 
honoured when she found courtly Colonel Adair 
requesting the honour of a dance. 

I don’t often get the chance of dancing with 
a real live heroine,” he said, smiling down upon 
her. have just been hearing all about it 
from Lady Heversham. Where did you learn 
to swim so well ? ” 

So Audrey launched out into a description of 


146 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


her happy school life, her expressive face 
sparkling with animation, till Colonel Adair said 
suddenly. Pardon me, but are you related to 
our kind hosts. Miss Denver? I catch such a 
likeness to Heversham, when you smile.’' 

Audrey’s heart gave a jump, and she lost her 
presence of mind for an instant. Just then the 
silvery jingle of Touchstone’s bells was heard, 
and Gerard strolling up, remarked, Supper is 
ready, Audrey. We are to go in in pairs. 
Colonel, I’m sorry to deprive you of your 
partner, but you see this is a poor thing, but 
mine own.” 


CHAPTER XIV 
COMING OP AGE 

“ A proper man as one shall see in a summer’s day.” 

Shakespeare. 

Audrey did not sleep much that night, and 
when she did, jostling and confused dreams came 
to her, affording little rest. Lord Heversham 
under the cedar tree, holding his court of 
banished and dispossessed lords. She, in the 
furred robes and coronet of the usurping Duke, 
finding, such is the sardonic humour of dreams, 
the robes' so short, that she was terrified at the 
idea that her ankles, clad in the red and yellow 
of Touchstone’s motley garb, should be seen, and 
her chief anxiety being to prevent other people 
noticing them, by an elaborate affectation of 
unconsciousness. 

Lady Heversham, in cap and apron, with a 
red bow in her hair, after the style of Violet 
of Brixton, swimming downstream in frantic 
147 


148 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


pursuit of Mr. Baxter, who dived and reappeared 
carrying in his mouth the fateful signet ring. 

The golden sunset lighting up the floating 
banners with their incriminating coat-of-arms, 
and Audrey’s own desperate attempts to prevent 
their being recognised, and clasping her arms 
round one, only to find the next one flaunting 
open before the eyes of countless multitudes, 
whose clapping sounded like the waves of the 
sea. Surely it was the sea. Yes, here was Touch- 
stone. What was he saying ? A merry night 
for swimming, Audrey. Let us swim together.” 
Then a huge black wave, rising, rising, over the 
tops of the trees, its curling white crest dimly 
visible in the electric light. It towered sky high, 
while she and Gerard crouched dumbly, hand in 
hand, too paralysed to move. It turned over, 
and fell with a thundering crash, when Audrey 
woke to find herself trembling in every limb and 
half dead with terror. 

She switched on the light at her bed head, and 
looked at the bright little room. Though it had 
the unfamiliar expression, as of one waked out of 
sleep, that one always observes if one lights up at 
dead of night, the cheerful chintzes and flowery 
wall paper restored her to a sense of reality. 

She got up, slipped into her dressing-gown. 


COMING OF AGE 


149 


and went to the window. Drawing aside the 
curtains, she looked out into the night. 

She looked up at the sky, sprinkled with God’s 
diamond dust, the trees standing like solid 
shadows, without a leaf stirring, the fountain in 
its marble basin sunk in slumber, the clear dark 
water shining with the reflection of the stars, 
like a bottomless shaft sunk through the earth, 
and showing a peep of another firmament below. 

There was no moon, but the stars were so 
brilliant that it was easy to see the outlines of 
the garden, the paths, the flower borders, the 
marble terrace balustrade, the dim park beyond, 
and the gleam of the lake behind the trees. 

The window was wide open, and Audrey leant 
on the sill, her chin on her hands, thinking, 
thinking, thinking. 

There was no question of injuring or benefit- 
ing anyone but herself, she thought. Her dead 
parents needed no rehabilitation. Her father 
had voluntarily renounced the title, her mother 
had been ignorant of the real rank and name of 
her husband. 

Poor father,” thought Audrey pitifully. 

How dreadful for him to think he had sacrificed 
all this in a fit of anger. And to believe he had 
killed his brother. Poor father. But he must 


150 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


know all about it now. Oh, how I wish I had 
somebody to ask.” 

Then it came to her that she had, and slipping 
to her knees, she laid her perplexities before a 
Higher Authority. 

Presently a sense of peace came to her. Why 
need she worry and trouble about this now ? 
There was no hurry in the matter. She had 
always been in the same position, only by the 
accident of finding the letters and the ring had 
she become aware of it. 

She could not interrupt the festivities to- 
morrow. She could hardly imagine anything 
more ill-timed than such an announcement at 
such a time. Even if she told only the family, 
how could they go on as if nothing had happened. 
She thought of the blow it would be to them. 
They would feel they had been masquerading as 
impostors before the world. 

Gerard, with his debonair manner, his de- 
lightful dry little speeches, his courteous hospi- 
table welcome to all, how would he take it ? 

Could anybody be expected to like the claimant 
even if she had been a familiar friend before. 

Would it be possible for human nature not to 
resent such a position. Audrey could not face 
the idea of cold looks or forced politeness from 


COMING OF AGE 


151 


them, and, with a great sigh, finally determined 
to let the whole thing slide for the present, and 
perhaps put it as a hypothetical case before Miss 
Fenwick when she saw her again. 

The relief of having arrived at a conclusion of 
some sort was so great, that she got back into 
bed and soon sank into a peaceful sleep. 

When she was called in the morning, she 
woke feeling that something extraordinary had 
happened, but could not at first remember what 
it was. Her confused dreams and her waking 
perplexities seemed so merged in her mind, that 
she could hardly disentangle them. 

As she dressed she was suddenly startled by 
the loud and jocund peal of the village church 
bells, ringing their joyous congratulations to the 
heir of Heversham. 

From her window Audrey could see the tall 
triumphal arch erected at the entrance, and a 
series of smaller ones streaming with flags and 
mottoes, standing at intervals down the long 
drive, as it curved in and out between the green 
undulations of the park. 

She could see the words on the nearest : 

Long live our noble earl and bis heir.” 

A village sentiment, but as Audrey knew, inspired 
by sincere affection and no lip service. 


152 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


The bells clashed and jangled merrily. The 
sky was still unclouded, but today a light breeze 
stirred the folds of bunting, and Audrey saw the 
significant coat-of-arms repeated on more than 
one banner. 

Fancy if I hadn’t been alone when it flashed 
upon me,” she thought. should have been 
so startled that I might have said or done 
something idiotic, and given the whole show 
away.” 

She put on her best frock, a dainty affair of 
soft white silk and lace, with a broad white satin 
sash, draped down one side. It had been made 
by Alison’s maid, and the two girls were to be 
dressed alike. 

She looked approvingly at the big white hat, 
with its curling ostrich feather, the gift of Lady 
Heversham, and took up and fondled her last 
and most precious possession. 

This was a finely-chased gold locket, heart 
shaped, with one fine diamond in its centre. It 
opened on delicate hinges, and on one side was 
an exquisite miniature portrait of little Roger, 
with his saucy blue eyes and chestnut curls, and 
on the other, engraved on a gold plate, the 
words. 

In loving remembrance. J uly 25th, 1909.” 


COMING OF AGE 


153 


As she looked at it, the date struck her. A 
curious coincidence/' she thought. July the 
25th was the date of the death of that Hugh 
Alured Dorincourt, whose memorial tablet she 
saw every Sunday from her place in church, and 
also of that Hugh Denver, whose daughter she 
was. 

Lord and Lady Heversham had presented 
this gift to her a week before, with heartfelt 
words of gratitude on his side, and a warm 
motherly kiss on hers, which had been almost 
more precious to Audrey than the graceful gift 
itself. 

She hung it now on its fine gold chain, and 
put it round her neck. Marjorie’s Christmas 
present, the long white gloves, had been saved 
for this occasion also, and Audrey felt that she 
really looked nicer than she ever had in her life 
before. 

Now, however, the hat and gloves were left 
behind, and as the gong sounded for breakfast 
Audrey started downstairs, regarding her neat 
silk ankles and buckled shoes with approbation, 
as they stepped down the shining stairs. 

Alison came out of her room at the same 
moment, full of excitement and pleasure, and 
joined her friend on the landing. 


154 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


‘^1 say/’ she said, isn’t it jolly to hear the 
bells ? Don’t they make you feel ready to fly out 
of your skin for joy?” 

“ I don’t know,” said Audrey a little soberly. 

Joy bells always seem a little sad to me, some- 
how. I suppose because it has always been 
other people’s joy.” 

“But today it’s all of our joy,” said Alison 
cheerfully. “ Isn’t it delicious of it to be so fine ? 
How pretty the frock is, and you’ve got your 
locket on, I see. Let me look at the precious 
lamb again.” 

Audrey opened the little heart, and Alison 
looked hard at the bonny little face inside. Then 
she gave Audrey an impulsive kiss, while her 
honest eyes became a little moist. 

“ There,” she said. “ Don’t let us get into the 
doleful dumps on Gerard’s birthday. But you 
know, ducky, it was a wonderful bit of luck our 
picking you up like that, you know.” 

Audrey wondered, as she returned the kiss, 
how far Alison’s warm-hearted speech was true. 

They entered the sunny cedar parlour together. 
The early arrivals were breakfasting at the round 
table in the east window, where the August sun 
was already so hot that the green and white sun- 
blinds were drawn down outside. 


COMING OF AGE 


155 


Smaller tables were laid at intervals down the 
long room, as was the Heversham custom, so 
that guests might choose their own hours. The 
stately butler and tall footmen, to whom Audrey 
was now quite accustomed, officiated at the side- 
board, with the tea and coffee equipages, and an 
imposing array of hot and cold dishes. 

There w^as a large house party staying at 
Dor incourt for Gerard’s birthday, but Audrey 
had not made acquaintance with many of them. 
The Duchess of Brighthelmstone, Lord Fram- 
lingham’s mother, she rather liked. She was a 
little dry, autocratic old lady, with a very false 
chestnut front, and extremely gay caps over it. 
She had never had any particular looks, as she 
said herself, but made up by a sufficiency of 
brains. Her bright beady eyes never missed 
anything, and she dressed like a decayed 
governess. 

The Duke was absent, grousing in Scotland, 
but there was another Duke, Gerard’s godfather. 
He was a lean scholarly person, whose recreation 
was conchology, and whose life interest centred 
in Greek mathematics. 

Lady Heversham’s sister, the Aunt Honor 
where the children had been staying when 
Audrey first met them, was an older, greyer. 


156 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


stiff er edition of Lady Heversham, and much 
more alarming. Lord and Lady Coalport, with 
two pretty, fair, exceedingly well dressed daugh- 
ters, were among the guests, and there were 
various young men, with very straight backs and 
very short hair, who were vaguely spoken of as 
in the Guards, and whom Audrey avoided in 
speechless terror. 

The Mr. Malcolm, who had acted in the play, 
a briefless barrister, with literary aspirations, 
was rather more approachable, but Audrey never 
quite identified the different tweed-clad men and 
beautifully dressed ladies, who streamed in with 
rather more punctuality than usual. 

Those bells won’t let anybody sleep late 
today,” whispered Dick. Look, even old 
Frammy is down. What a swagger tie. Got 
up to kill, isn’t he?” 

Presently all the little tables were occupied, 
and the room filled with the cheerful hum of 
voices and clatter of plates. 

The family party had more or less established 
themselves at the table in the window, and 
Audrey sat quietly down in her now familiar 
place, on Lord Heversham’s left hand. He was 
engaged with his letters, but glanced up with his 
usual kind smile. 


COMING OF AGE 


157 


Tea or coffee, Miss,” said the butler behind 
her, offering steaming cups, and followed by a 
footman with scones and fresh rolls and other 
comestibles. 

When everybody was served the servants 
vanished, and Audrey found Gerard behind her, 
enquiring solicitously if buttered eggs, mush- 
rooms, or fish suited her best. 

Audrey turned, and wished him all happy 
returns of the day, to which he responded by a 
beautiful bow, and dropping into the seat next 
her, remarked confidentially, You are fortunate 
to have begun early. I have been practising 
alternate bows and smiles to use during the day. 
Otherwise I should break my back, or dislocate 
my jaw. The first person who speaks gets the 
smile, the second the bow, and so on. You 
observe you came among the even numbers.” 

I observed I didn’t get the smile,” said 
Audrey. The bow alone is rather unnerving, 
I think.” 

Well, perhaps for members of the family, we 
might try a blend,” said Gerard. ^^A slightly 
less profound bow, and a rather chilly smile, do 
you think ? ” 

I like the smile alone best, I think,” said 
Audrey. 


158 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^^Then I’m afraid I must trouble you to 
repeat your remark/’ said Gerard sadly, ‘^as 
then you would become an odd number, and 
entitled to it as your right.” 

Gerard,” said Marjorie’s fresh voice at his 
elbow, don’t you see that while you are 
chattering, Audrey’s fish has got cold ? ” 

“ Poor fish,” said Gerard. Shall we try a 
little eucalyptus, or put its feet in hot water ? ” 

“ Gerard,” said Lord Heversham, I am aware 
that I have no longer any legal jurisdiction over 
you, but you would oblige me if you would first 
eat your breakfast, and then read your letters. 
The first deputation comes at eleven, remember.” 

Gerard subsided, and with a resigned sigh 
attacked his food. 

Alison called Audrey to come and look at his 
presents, which were laid out on a side table, 
and the girls were soon busy admiring and 
arranging them. 

The usual array of silver and gold cigarette 
boxes, walking sticks, sporting paraphernalia, 
sleeve links, and so on, were displayed, and 
Audrey admired and criticised, until she took up 
a fine bloodstone, set as a signet ring, engraved 
with a lion couchant, clasping in his paws an 
earl’s coronet, with the motto, ^^Wake me not.” 


COMING OF AGE 


159 


She took it in her hand, and gazed so long and 
steadily at it, that she did not hear the departure 
of the elders, nor the summons of the girls, till 
Gerard came up quietly beside her, and said. 
You seem to like that ring, Audrey.” 

Then she blushed scarlet, dropped it into its 
case, and followed the rest of the party in 
confusion. 


CHAPTER XV 


“AN UNWELCOME INVITATION” 


“ Choose always the way that seems the best, how- 
ever rough it be.” 


Pythagoras. 


The rest of that day seemed to Audrey to pass 
in a riot of noise and colour. 

The braying of the bands, the constant out- 
breaks of apparently delirious joy on the part of 
the bells, the feu de joie ” fired at midday from 
the row of little iron cannons that had stood 
along the front of the house since the days of 
Cromwell, and were only used on great occasions, 
the cheers, the crowds, the endless roar of con- 
versation, were rather bewildering. The brilliant 
dresses of the “ county,” invited to the big 
garden party, and the happy bashful faces of the 
humbler folk, privileged to walk about the lovely 
gardens and gaze at their will, were pleasant to 
see. There was a big dinner in the banqueting 
hall, and an uproarious tenants’ supper in the 
160 


UNWELCOME INVITATION’^ 161 


marquee that had held yesterday’s audience, 
concluding with a most festive ball, in which 
gentle and simple joined with vigour, and in 
which Audrey found herself solemnly pacing 
through a country dance with the very tall 
footman who had so terrified her on her 
arrival. 

The most undisturbed person appeared to be 
the hero of the occasion himself. Audrey 
occasionally caught a glimpse of him, strolling 
about in a light grey suit, and seeing that no 
hungry matron was left unfed, or bashful maiden 
without a suitable cavalier. He looked sad as 
usual, but as he caught Audrey’s eye, there was 
a wicked twinkle in his, which overset her 
gravity, so that she laughed aloud and inoppor- 
tunely, as Mr. Whatshisname, the vicar, was 
pressing a plate of savoury sandwiches upon her 
in the tea tent. 

He looked up enquiringly, and Audrey was 
quite overcome with confusion, and greatly 
relieved when he left her with rather an 
offended bow. 

She saw, however, out of the corner of her 
eye that he was quickly appeased by Gerard 
himself, who, taking him by the arm, engaged 
him in confidential conversation. 


162 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


“ It’s all right,” he explained in a hasty aside 
to Audrey, when circumstances threw them 
together again. I told him we had invited a 
few of the harmless patients from Earlswood to 
come and see the fun. They have little pleasure 
in their lives, you know.” 

Oh,” said Audrey, reproachfully. How 
could you ? ” 

“Quite easily I did it,” said Gerard, modestly. 
“ And what do you think he said ? ” 

“ Your noble family, my lord, is conspicuous 
for its thoughtful kindness. That, I am sure, 
would have occurred to few of us. I am indeed 
touched by the considerate and generous idea.” 

“ What a shame,” said Audrey, her eyes 
dancing at the mimicry of the Yicar’s polished 
periods. “ If I wasn’t sure that you were 
making it all up, I should be sorry for the poor 
man.” 

After dinner, when the orthodox toasts had 
been drunk and the hackneyed old convivial 
chorus sung, Gerard made the expected speech. 

After a few light sentences referring to the 
events of the day, he imparted a graver touch 
by saying seriously that he fully realised that 
all the honours and kind congratulations were 
addressed to him, not as an individual, but as a 


*‘^AN UNWELCOME INVITATION” 163 


representative of family history and traditions. 
That in both capacities he thanked them all 
most heartily and humbly, and would endeavour 
with all his power to act up to the example set 
him by his forbears in the past, and especially 
by the unselfish and noble characters of his dear 
parents, to whom he owed all that he had of 
good. He trusted with God’s help that he 
should never be tempted beyond his strength to 
lower the standard, or deface the scutcheon of 
the great family to which he had the honour to 
belong, and felt that the esteem and affection of 
his friends and neighbours, however undeserved, 
would be the strongest inducement and greatest 
support to him in that aspiration. 

He sat down amid a short silence more flatter- 
ing than applause, and Audrey, sitting among 
the young ones, felt her eyes fill with tears as 
she thought what a worthy representative he 
would make, and what a responsibility rested in 
her untried hands. 

After dinner they all trooped out to the 
marquee, where Gerard had another speech to 
make. As he was received with thunderous 
roars of applause whenever he opened his mouth, 
and could hardly get a sentence out without 
being interrupted by shouts of approval, he 


164 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


confined himself to a few jesting remarks in broad 
local dialect, which made the simple-minded folk 
hold their sides with laughter. 

Eh, but I could kiss Tm,” was the audible 
remark of a stout old dame, flapping her hot face 
with a handkerchief, which was received with so 
much enthusiasm that Gerard was able to sit 
down under its cover. 

He then led out the good lady in the first 
dance, and the company gave themselves over to 
mirth and jollity. 

When they had had a few dances. Lady 
Heversham ruthlessly sent the young ones to 
bed, saying that they had had a great deal too 
much excitement as it was, and that she should 
be much too tired to nurse them if they were all 
ill tomorrow. 

So although Audrey could hear the carriages 
driving in and out, and the distant strains of 
music from the ballroom, where the real grown- 
up ball ” took place, she was really too much 
worn out with the day to regret her early retire- 
ment, and slept soundly till aroused at a later 
hour than usual by the maid. 

She had found a letter lying on her dressing- 
table overnight, but had been too sleepy to open 
it, recognising the large sprawling hand of her 


UNWELCOME INVITATION’’ 165 


cousin Monica, and not anticipating much from 
its contents. 

Now, however, as she sat up and drank her 
tea out of the rose-painted cup, she opened it. 

Dearest Audrey, 

I have got a great big piece of news for you. 
How you will open your eyes. I am really and 
truly going to be married. 

Tom has got an appointment, a medical job, 
through an old friend of his father’s. He has 
got to go and live in Pekin, and work in the 
English hospital there. Lucky he is just 
qualified. And so we are going to be married 
and go straight out there. His father, who has 
got lots of cash, provides the necessary. He is 
really not half a bad old bird, and must have 
got pots of money put by. I hear the society is 
quite good, and the climate ripping; the living 
isn’t expensive, and I shall die of laughter at the 
Chinamen with their pigtails. 

You can imagine what a fuss this has put 
us all in, and how I am to get ready in time I 
simply don’t know. I’m trying on all day. 
Luckily I got a lot of things at Evans’ great 
white sale last month, and Tom says the 
Chinese are splendid at copying, and if I take 


166 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


out a few good frocks they can make more out 
there. 

Now, dear Audrey, you must absolutely come 
and be my bridesmaid. I read all about your 
grand doings in the Lady,” and there were some 
spicy little bits in Modern Society ” too. What 
bosh are they talking about your having saved 
somebody’s life ? You can tell me all about the 
dresses when you come, and do pick up all the 
bints you can. I suppose we must hire a couple 
of waiters, and have champagne. Father says 
there needn’t be, as it must be a morning 
wedding, worse luck. But I tell him it would 
look so mean not to, and we can return unopened 
bottles. 

That new frock of yours you told me about 
would do for a pattern, and I want you to be a 
dear and send it me in a box, to have it copied 
for Laura. 

I’m only going to have you two. It looks 
more ^ chick,’ and Tom doesn’t want to give a lot 
of presents. 

The wedding day is to be today fortnight. 
Lor’ ! I can hardly believe it. You simply must 
come, and as soon as you can. There’s crowds 
to do. I’m getting presents already. Such a 
jolly silver-gilt cake-basket from the Tomlinsons. 


UNWELCOME INVITATION 167 


I didn’t expect them to cut it so fat. My word, 
what a screed I’ve sent you. 

Your loving cousin, 

Monica Baxter.” 

Audrey lay back, and considered while she 
sipped her tea. 

The plan had been that she was to go with 
the Dorincourts to Scotland, and she had been 
looking forward to it very much. 

But she felt she had been rather neglecting 
her own people of late, and this was an occasion 
at v/hich she must appear, or give eternal offence. 

Her heart sank as she contemplated the 
prospect. How could she bear to go back to 
that life again ? 

She contrasted the narrow conventions of 
Brixton with the free atmosphere of Dorincourt. 
She thought of the little vulgar ambitions, the 
desire to outshine your neighbours and snub 
your social inferiors, compared with the instinc- 
tive habit of putting other people at their ease 
and seeing the best in everybody, that was in 
the very air of Dorincourt. 

But this seemed a case of clear duty, and 
Andrey knew what she must do, distasteful 
though it might be. 


168 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


So after breakfast she sought Lady Heversham 
in her sanctum, where she did the household 
business of her large establishment. 

Audrey knew her hours, and crept quietly in, 
waiting till Lady Heversham had dismissed the 
dignified Mrs. Carpenter, with a pleasant smile 
and word of thanks. 

Then she turned to Audrey. ^^What is it, 
sweetheart?’' she said. ^^Can I do anything for 
you?” 

Dear Lady Heversham,” said Audrey, it’s 
only that I am afraid that I mustn’t come to 
Scotland with you.” 

“Mustn’t you, dear?” said Lady Heversham, 
placidly. Audrey’s evident regret and sup- 
pressed agitation did not seem to strike her, and 
Audrey realised that what seemed such a great 
thing to her, might not shake the foundations of 
the world to others. 

“ No,” she said. “ I’ve heard from my cousin, 
and she is going to be married in a fortnight, 
and she wants me to come back and be her 
bridesmaid.” 

“Very pleasant for you,” murmured Lady 
Heversham. “But we shall be sorry not to have 
you with us in the North. Couldn’t you join us 
afterwards ? ” 


UNWELCOME INVITATION” 169 


Audrey shook her head regretfully. I’m 
afraid not. You see the holidays end on the 
21st September, and it would hardly be worth 
while.” 

You mustn’t let any question of expense 
stop you, dear child,” said Lady Heversham, 
kindly. You know we all consider you as one 
of the family now, and my husband wanted you 
to come as his guest altogether.” 

One of the family.” Audrey bit her lips, 
as she thought of the truth of the words, but 
though her eyes filled, she still shook her head, 
saying bravely, 

It isn’t that. But I think I ought to go 
home for a time. My uncle will be lonely, and, 
after all, now Alison is coming to Miss Fenwick’s, 
I shall see her again quite soon.” 

Lady Heversham saw the effort and respected 
it. She put her hand caressingly on Audrey’s 
shoulders, and said, I am sure you are doing 
quite right. And one never regrets that. We 
shall be sorry not to have you at Glentulloch, 
but we will hope next year to have a longer 
time to spend there, and you must come with us.” 

So Audrey made her sacrifice, and went away 
with a light conscience, though rather a heavy 
heart. 


CHAPTER XVI 


BRIXTON AGAIN 

“ Misses, the tale that I relate, this lesson seems to carry, 

Choose not alone a proper mate, but proper time to marry.” 

COWPER. 

Myrtle Road, Brixton, looked rather less 
dreary as Audrey drove up to it this time. 

The August sunshine, mote-filled, as London 
sunshine always is, shone dustily on the door- 
step, which was unexpectedly clean, and the 
grained oak door, which had been newly 
varnished. 

Several pots of red geraniums and yellow 
calceolarias adorned the sill of the dining-room 
window, hiding the black wire blind, which 
protected the privacy of the inmates. 

The door was opened by a new maid in a 
remarkably clean cap and apron, and no red bow, 
and behind her in the hall were the two cousins, 
evidently just returned from a w^alk. 

They were dressed alike in black and white 

170 


BRIXTON AGAIN 


171 


muslins, with very narrow skirts, and wore 
enormous drooping black mushroom hats, much 
wider behind than before, with their hair 
elaborately puffed and frizzled. They had evi- 
dently been paying a visit of some social 
importance, and were so glad to have a new 
auditor, that their welcome of Audrey was quite 
genuine. 

What a bit of luck we got back in time to 
meet you,” said Laura, and Monica kissed her 
cousin with real kindness. 

Audrey felt ashamed of the gloomy forebodings 
she had indulged in, and felt cheered up. 

The dingy hall, with its yellow marble paper, 
and vari-coloured floorcloth, though no less 
hideous than before, did not seem to matter 
so much, and she looked at the coloured glass 
fanlight over the door with a measure of 
toleration. 

What a lot of difference it makes when 
people are nice to one,” she thought. 

Come in without taking your things off,” 
said Monica, hospitably. ‘‘ I told Janet to bring 
tea directly we were back, and I thought we 
might all go on a bus afterwards to Hyde Park 
corner, and sit in the Park a bit.” 

That’s because of the new hat,” said Laura 


172 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


slyly, and, of course, there’ll be nobody to see 
it. Oh dear no.” 

Have a jam sandwich, Audrey,” said Monica. 

And now I must tell you where we’ve been to. 
Did you ever hear of Sir Richard Widewent ? ” 

Yes,” said Audrey, the great doctor.” 

^^Well,” said Monica, importantly, ^^he is 
an old friend of Tom’s father, and Lady Wide- 
went wrote me such a sweet letter, asking us to 
call today, and let them make the acquaintance 
of Tom’s bride.” 

It wasn’t such a very sweet letter,” said 
Laura, morosely, and she never asked us to 
tea.” 

Well, if she had, I shouldn’t have stayed,” 
said Monica, loftily. I should have said we 
had a cousin coming. It doesn’t do to make 
oneself too cheap.” 

Such a jolly big house in Harley Street,” said 
Laura, more cheerfully, and a butler and a 
footman to open the door.” 

Tom couldn’t come,” interpolated Monica. 

Sir Richard said he was glad, as he wanted to 
make my acquaintance. He was a perfect 
treasure. Such manners, and such piercing 
eyes.” 

“Tom will be getting jealous,” said Laura. 


BRIXTON AGAIN 


173 


You did have quite a flirtation with the old 
boy, didn’t you ? ” 

He told me about China,” said Monica. 

He’s lived there, and he told me everything 
wouldn’t always be rose coloured, but a little 
courage and tact would pull one through. A 
young doctor depends a good deal upon his wife, 
he said. Oh, and a lot more. Have another 
cup, Audrey.” 

Audrey looked at her, and decided that Monica 
had improved. She was more steady in her 
manner, and talked less. Wonderful result of 
being engaged to Tommy Robson. But Love 
works with strange tools often. 

The windows were open and the blinds half 
down, to keep out the sun. The room, however, 
felt stuffy and airless, though Audrey thought it 
looked cleaner. It reminded her so much of the 
kind gentle aunt, that she wondered that the 
girls were able to talk and laugh so unconcernedly. 

The faded armchair where she used to sit was 
drawn back against the wall, but the little ram- 
shackle table still held her work-basket and the 
shabby scent bottle. The piano had been put 
at a new angle, and hung with a yellow silk 
curtain, and there was a terrible erection of 
Pampas grass, dyed in three colours, in the 


174 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


fireplace. But otherwise the room was unchanged, 
and Audrey felt a little pang for the familiar 
presence gone. But the girls chattered on. 

One of the first things you’ve got to do, 
Audrey,” said Laura, is to help us to make the 
new cretonnes. We got all the stuff at Harrod’s 
sale, at a great reduction, because it hadn’t sold, 
and we’ve got to make it up this week. It 
makes all the difference to the room. I wanted 
to have it re-papered too, but father turned rusty 
over that. And after all it isn’t really dirty. 
A few fans here and there will cover the faded 
places.” 

What sort of cretonne have you got ? ” asked 
Audrey. 

Oh, a nice cheerful one. I do like a bit of 
colour, and the man said it would wash like a 
rag. Here it is,” and she displayed a brilliant 
design of purple and yellow tulips, gracefully 
entwined with crimson seaweed on a blue ground. 

Audrey agreed that it was certainly very 
bright and cheerful, and the cousins launched 
out into descriptions of the trousseau, presents, 
the guests to be invited, and the arrangements. 

Father won’t have an awning,” grumbled 
Laura. He said if it was in the winter it 
would be all very well, but that it was an absurd 


BRIXTON AGAIN 


175 


and useless expense at this time of year. We 
had quite a row over it, but he can be jolly 
obstinate if he likes.’ ' 

It certainly looks as if it would never rain 
again,” said Audrey, with a glance into the sun- 
baked street. But a strip of red carpet looks 
very nice.” 

I suppose you’ve been seeing lots of it,” said 
Monica, with a sudden recollection of her cousin’s 
affairs. How gay you are, dashing about from 
one thing to another. First a coming of age, 
and then a wedding.” 

Tell us some more while we are on the bus,” 
said Laura, and the three started. 

Audrey soon found that her cousins had not 
such an overwhelming desire for information, as 
for properly impressing the other passengers, and 
she found herself closely questioned about the 
Earl and the Countess, Lord Windlesham and 
Lady Marjorie, in the loud unrestrained voices 
that had always annoyed her. She shrank into 
herself, and gave monosyllabic answers in a low 
tone, till Laura said crossly, Oh let her alone, 
Monica. She’s in one of her high and mighty 
moods. Look at that hat. Isn’t it sweet? ” 
Audrey glanced down instinctively. Two 
ladies, sitting in a victoria, delayed by the crush 


176 HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


round the Park gates, glanced up at the same 
moment. The one in the pretty hat caught 
Audrey’s eye, and a charming nod and smile, 
and light kiss of delicately gloved fingers, showed 
the cousins that this was one of Audrey’s 
swells.” 

Why, she knows you, Audrey. Whoever is 
it?” 

That was Lady Marjorie,” said Audrey, feel- 
ing for the moment hot with confusion. “ I 
knew she was in town for a few days.” 

Who was the old Judy with her? ” demanded 
Laura. She didn’t look up to much, anyhow.” 

That was the Duchess of Brighthelmstone,” 
said Audrey in a small voice. Hadn’t we 
better get down here and walk ? We shan’t get 
taken any further in this block.” 

That old thing a Duchess,” said Laura. 
She looked like an old char. But I must say, 
Audrey, your pal’s pretty. I should like a hat 
like that. Where does she buy hers ? ” 

I think she goes to some place in Hanover 
Square, or to Paris for her best hats,” said 
Audrey rather unwillingly. But she trims her 
own for the country.” 

^^Does she?” enquired Laura. “Well, I de- 
clare I shouldn’t bother if I was her. Here’s 


BRIXTON AGAIN 177 

a seat. Let’s sit down and look at the people. 
Audrey can tell us who they all are.” 

I can’t,” said Audrey. I only saw the 
people in the house. Besides, everybody’s out of 
town.” 

There’s lots left, anyhow,” observed Monica. 

I like that fashion of coloured stockings, and 
a bit to match in your hat. I’ll get some like 
that. What time is it, Laura ? ” 

Nearly six, if that clock’s right,” answered 
Laura. Time for Tommy to turn up.” 

Audrey sat dreamily hearing, without joining 
in their talk. The sight of Marjorie, cool, grace- 
ful, and unaffected, had roused a sort of wave of 
homesickness in her heart. The contrast between 
her and the Baxter girls was too marked. Why 
should Audrey condemn herself for ever to this 
little vulgar minded world, when she belonged 
by right to that wider and more beautiful one? 

The problem rose and confronted her again. 
What had seemed rather fine and noble at Dorin- 
court seemed suddenly to shrink to something 
ineffably foolish and absurd. 

Why should she not claim her rights? Why 
should she sacrifice herself? It could surely be 
managed that the family should not become 
impoverished. They didn’t care for the rank 

N 


178 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


The ancestry and traditions would still be theirs. 
She could entertain them at Dorincourt, as they 
had her, and never let them feel the difference. 

An exclamation from Monica broke the thread 
of her thoughts. Why, here’s Tom, and another 
fellow with him. Why, it’s your mash, Laura, 
Claude Heskett.” 

Don’t call him my mash,” simpered Laura, 
as stout, good-natured Tommy Robson came 
beaming up, guiding a somewhat elaborate- 
looking youth, with fair curly hair and a young 
moustache. 

Evenin’, Laura. Evenin’, Miss Denver,” said 
Tommy. “ Or I think I ought to be allowed a 
cousinly privilege now, don’t you, Monny ? ” 
Audrey draw back, and looked so startled 
that they all broke into a laugh. 

You needn’t be afraid. He don’t want to 
kiss you, Audrey,” said Laura, loudly. He 
only wants to drop the Miss Denver.” 

For the present,” said Tommy, with a killing 
air, that is all I require. Any objection. Miss? ” 
Poor Audrey had every objection, but hardly 
knew how to word it. In the midst of her 
perplexity, a carriage stopped at the railings in 
front of them, and an imperious gesture from the 
shabby little old lady in it summoned her. 


BRIXTON AGAIN 


179 


She rose thankfully and left the group. 

^^Come for a turn with me, Miss Denver,” 
the little old Duchess said. I’ve dropped 
Marjorie in Park Lane, and I’m not going in 
for half an hour. I’ll drive you home if you 
like.” 

“Oh no, thank you,” said Audrey, gratefully. 
“ I live in Brixton, quite too far to drive. But 
I would like one turn very much.” 

“Who were the folks you were with?” de- 
manded the old lady with uncompromising 
directness. “ Not your style, my dear, at all. I 
was sorry to see you with them.” 

“ They were my cousins,” said Audrey bravely, 
though with burning cheeks. “ One of them is 
engaged to marry that stout young man. The 
other is a friend of his.” 

“ Good child,” said the Duchess. “ I like 
honesty. Nobody’s ever the worse for telling the 
truth. It’s better round here, isn’t it ? The 
water cools the air a bit. I am up to see my 
dentist. My old teeth are bothering me, or I 
shouldn’t be in town now. I’ve got quite a 
clever little man, called Heskett, but it’s a bore 
coming up. You must come and see me, child. 
We’re living in one room, and keeping the covers 
on, but I can give you a cup of tea. Remember, 


180 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


180 Park Lane. I’ve got another week in town 
for my sins.” 

Here we are again. I see your friends. I 
won’t stop. Let Miss Denver out, Charles. Au 
revoir,” and Audrey was returned to the hands 
of her admiring relatives. 


CHAPTER XVII 


MONICA’S WEDDING 

“ So with decorum all things carried, 

Miss frowned and blushed and then was — married.” 

Goldsmith. 

The wedding day dawned fine, but a hot little 
wind raised the dust in spiral curls, and Laura, 
looking out, prognosticated rain before night. 

The bride did not look her best at the moment 
of waking, for her hair had been twined and 
waved into every possible variety of Hinde’s 
curlers. She had slept in a face mask, a nose 
improver, and a chin strap, and rather looked as 
if she had not had a good night. 

She removed these adornments gingerly, and 
anxiously inspected her face in the glass, to 
observe the result. 

I believe half these advertisements are 
frauds,’' she grumbled, as she rubbed her ill-used 
countenance with face cream. I don’t see any 
difference, and I hardly slept a wink.” 

181 


182 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Never mind,” said Audrey, consolingly. ‘Tt’s 
rather interesting to be pale, and Mr. Robson 
won’t notice.” 

^^Not he,” said Laura, waspishly. He’ll be 
too much taken up with his tie, and the set of 
his trousers, to look at you.” 

Monica, cautiously dabbing the end of her 
nose with powder, vouchsafed no reply. 

^^ril have my breakfast sent up,” she said. 

I’ll keep on that chin strap a bit. I believe it 
really has fined me down a little. What a 
nuisance it is to have a double chin.” 

Janet won’t want to be running up and 
down with your breakfast,” observed Laura. 

She’s half dotty with excitement as it is.” 

I’ll bring it up,” said Audrey, and then 
you will be able to dress quietly. It’ll take you 
a long time to do your hair, and that dress takes 
a lot of getting into, with all those buttons.” 

Miss Fanchette said it was just like Lady 
Madeline St. Leger’s,” said Monica. But I 
thought it would be a plague to put on. Only, 
as I shall have to cut it down directly for dining 
out, there won’t be quite so many buttons to do 
up.” 

I do like your traveling dress,” said Audrey. 

That pale grey touched with black is very 


MONICA’S WEDDING 


183 


pretty, and the black hat. I am so glad you 
chose that instead of the shrimp pink.” 

^^Well, I think it is a bit too Quakerish 
myself/’ said Monica. ‘^Butitdl come in useful 
for quiet teas, and so on.” 

Fancy going out to quiet teas in Tientsin/’ 
said Laura. ^^You ought to get good tea, at 
any rate. Come along, Audrey; I’m sure break- 
fast is ready, I smell bloaters.” 

Audrey took up her cousin’s tray, and regarded 
her curiously as she fussed about among her 
clothes. It seemed an odd state of mind to be 
in on the most important occasion of your life, 
but Audrey thought she detected traces of tears, 
and felt that half of the fidget was assumed to 
hide something deeper. 

So she gave Monica a friendly little pat, as 
she passed her, after putting the tray down on 
the bed, every chair and table being encumbered 
with finery. 

This seemed to be the last straw, and Monica 
gave a convulsive choke, saying desperately. 
Don’t, Audrey, for goodness’ sake don’t upset 
me. What shall I do if my eyes are all red? 
I shall look a sight. But oh, Audrey, it is at 
these times that a gurl wants her mum-mum- 
mother.” 


184 


HEAETS AND COEONETS 


And the sobs broke out unrestrainedly, while 
Audrey could only stroke the plump hands and 
administer a gentle kiss of sympathy. 

There, I’m better now,” said Monica. 
expect it was best to get it over. But, good 
gracious, what a figure I’ve made of myself. 
Audrey, run and get Laura’s eau-de-cologne. 
Now pass me the powder. What a fool I am.” 

shouldn’t bother,” said Audrey. ^^Just 
sponge your eyes with cold water, and sit by the 
open window for a bit. You’ve lots of time yet. 
It wonT show, and it wouldn’t matter if it does. 
Here’s your bouquet,” as the maid knocked and 
handed in a cardboard box. Isn’t that perfectly 
lovely ? ” 

Monica soon recovered herself, sniffing and 
exclaiming at the florist’s triumph, and when 
Laura came up, bursting with excitement over 
the bridesmaids’ posies, she noticed nothing. 

When the bride came down, in all the glory 
of white satin and orange blossoms, she looked 
very well, much better than she had ever 
done, Audrey thought, and she liked the way 
her father, a degree less dishevelled and untidy 
than usual, kissed her, and regarded her pater- 
nally. 

But any serious thoughts were soon dispelled 


MONICA’S WEDDING 


185 


by the cheerful entrance of Alf, in a mustard- 
coloured waistcoat and white spats. 

Hullo ! everybody. How’s the blusher ? ” 
was his greeting. I’ve been having a look at 
the trooso,” and he polkaed round the room, his 
thumbs in the armholes of his waistcoat, singing 
in a falsetto voice, 

Mary had a Directoire frock, 

The sort that’s cut in half. 

Who cares a button for Mary’s mutton, 

Now they can ” 

Don’t, Alf,” said Monica, who was acquainted 
with this lyric, perhaps rather peevishly for a 
bride. ^^Do shut up; it isn’t funny, you know.^^ 

So Alf put on an air of sham penitence and 
sidled to a chair, his finger in his mouth. 

Laura laughed, but Monica looked away, 
and Audrey was very busy buttoning up her 
gloves. 

It was the second time she had worn her lace 
frock, and it seemed almost intolerably full of 
associations. 

Laura’s short dumpy figure was arrayed in as 
close an imitation of it as the dressmaker could 
produce, but she was not satisfied with the 
result, and kept prinking before the mirror, 
pulling here and patting there. 


186 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I can’t think why your skirt hangs so much 
better than mine, Audrey,” she said dis- 
contentedly. I shall have to get it altered. 
Oh, here’s father. Goodness, look at his tie.” 
Mr. Baxter wearily advanced his chin, with its 
fringe of ragged beard, to have his tie adjusted, 
then drawing on a pair of new gloves, said 
fretfully, Surely the carriage ought to be 
here. I ordered it at twenty to eleven.” 

“It’s only half-past ten yet,” saidAlf. “And 
it doesn’t do for the lady to be earlier than the 
gent, you know. Looks as if she was a bit too 
keen, eh, old girl ? ” and he playfully chucked 
Monica under the chin. 

Just then the door opened and a stream of 
friends and Baxter relations poured in. They 
had been inspecting the presents, which had 
been laid out in Mr. Baxter’s study, to his 
intense misery and discomfiture. 

“Why, if here isn’t the bride. All ready. 
Why, Monica, how nice you look, and what 
lovely flowers.” 

“ That frock looks all right, but I should think 
it’s a bit tight for comfort ” (aside). 

“ I do like the dear old-fashioned orange 
blossom,” simpered a sentimental spinster. “ So 
full of associations.” 


MONICA’S WEDDING 


187 


Wliat’s your associations, Tilda ? enquired 
Mr. Alf, with his head on one side. 

Don’t be rude, Alfred,” said her mother, a 
forbidding looking personage in a purple velvet 
bonnet. Rudeness isn’t wit.” 

Only natural curiosity. Aunt Jane,” responded 
Alf, unabashed. Come and have a wet. Uncle 
James. Rudeness isn’t loetJ' 

Oh, Alf,” groaned the cousins in chorus, the 
accepted applause for that particular form of 
humour. 

A doleful lot, aren’t they ? ” confided Alf to 
his companion. I try to liven them up a bit, 
but it doesn’t seem to go down somehow.” 

Audrey Denver’s growing a good-looking 
young woman,” said the other. 

A bit shy and stand-ofi,” said Alf. But 
she’s young yet. She’ll warm up. Trust a 
pretty girl to find it out. But she’s got a bit 
above herself, with all her swell friends.” 

The carriages came round from the livery 
stables, each coachman resplendent with a white 
satin favour and a white bow on his whip, and 
drove off in procession to the church. 

As Audrey passed up the aisle behind Monica’s 
shining tail, the pews filled with smartly dressed 
people, all whispering and giggling, the stir and 


188 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


rustle of their silks and satins, and their over- 
trimmed enormous hats, inspired her with a 
sense of disgust. 

Was there not one among them, she thought, 
who had the least idea of what a serious business 
they were assisting at. How could they giggle 
and laugh while such solemn words were being 
uttered. 

Not like that, Audrey felt, would the Dorin- 
courts regard the marriage of one of their 
daughters. 

But she pulled herself up short. Not even in 
thought would she allow herself to compare 
them. That way temptation lay. 

As the bridesmaids followed the happy couple 
into the vestry, she even forced herself to accept 
the cousinly salute” that Mr. Thomas Robson 
insisted on bestowing on both, and only when 
Mr. Heskett showed signs of following his 
example, did she draw the line. 

He was best man, and with Laura kept up a 
constant flow of airy and not too refined chaff, 
and when at last the wedded pair escaped into 
their carriage, Audrey heaved a sigh of relief. 

She and Laura drove home with Mr. Baxter, 
who was very silent and depressed. 

Laura tried to rally him, but Audrey, divining 


MONICA’S WEDDING 


189 


what he was feeling, checked her cousin’s wit, 
and when he vanished into his own room up- 
stairs immediately on arrival, she discouraged 
all attempts to disturb him. 

Just as well, perhaps,” said Alf. “ The pater 
going about like a sick monkey wasn’t a very 
enlivening object. We shall do better without 
him.” 

So the bottles of cheap champagne were 
broached, the gorgeous wedding cake cut, the 
sandwiches and sweets handed round, and the 
conversation became more and more unrestrained. 

Alf insisted upon making a speech, though he 
said he found it a bit awkward without a table to 
get under, in which he made bantering remarks 
to the young ladies present, recommending them 
to look alive if they wanted handsome husbands. 
The supply was getting scarce. He, for one, 
couldn’t answer for its going round. Not that 
he was particular. Oh, no, the best of everything 
was good enough for him, and any good-looking 
lady of comfortable income, who fancied him, 
was welcome to step up. Age didn’t matter. 
He liked them a bit mellow. 

And so on, amid much applause and merriment. 

Then the happy couple sneaked downstairs, 
but were betrayed by treacherous friends, and 


190 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


fled for their lives, blinded by showers of rice, 
confetti, and little silver cardboard horse-shoes. 

Such an elegant idea of Mr. Heskett’s,” said 
Laura, and quite cheap too.” 

The old shoe was tied on behind, and Alf led 
the uproarious chorus of cheers as the hired 
brougham disappeared. 

They won’t forget their wedding day in a 
hurry,” he remarked confidentially to Audrey, 
who happened to be nearest. I got their 
boxes opened, and filled every blessed thing, 
shoes, gloves, powder boxes, ^ oh-no-we-never- 
mention-ems,’ and all, with rice. The umbrellas 
are full, and all his pockets. It’ll take ’em 
weeks to get rid of it. Good idea, what.” 

But Audrey had fled. 

Upstairs, in her own room, she was tearing off 
her finery and flinging it into a drawer. I 
cannot bear it. I cannot. I’m sure it’s no 
good trying. I’ll write to — who — Gerard? No! 
Marjorie. Oh, no 1 Lord or Lady Heversham ? 
The idea was insupportable. I must wait till I 
see them again,” she thought. But I will tell. 
I will 1 ” 

Thinking that she might be wanted, she put 
on a summer cambric, brushed her hair, and came 
downstairs. 


MONICA’S WEDDING 


I9I 


The debris of the scattered rice and confetti, 
the disarranged furniture, the horrible remains of 
the wedding feast, looked incongruous in the day- 
light, and she came upon her uncle wandering 
disconsolately about the dismantled rooms. She 
slipped her hand into his, and coaxed him to take 
her out of the disordered house into the fresh air. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


OLD PEIENDS 

“ We meet thee like a pleasant thought, 

When such are wanted.” 

Wordsworth. 

After the wedding, Mr. Baxter, with Laura and 
Audrey, moved into lodgings at St. Leonards for 
a change. 

It was better than Brixton, Audrey thought, 
or Herne Bay, but it was a crowded time, and she 
got much bored with the numbers of people there. 

They had taken rooms in a side street, as those 
on the front were too dear, and the outlook from 
their windows was not exhilarating, consisting of 
a row of shabby shops. 

They had taken one sitting-room and two bed- 
rooms, and were themselves situated over a 
greengrocer’s. 

Mr. Alf declared himself too busy in town to 
accompany them, but promised them the pleasure 
of his society for Sundays. 

192 


OLD FRIENDS 


193 


Audrey shared a room with Laura, so had little 
solitude or opportunity for thinking over the 
perplexing problem that was ever in her thoughts. 

But she sometimes got down on to the shore, 
and sitting under a breakwater, with a hook 
which she rarely opened, would think and think 
till she could think no more. 

The immensity of space, the open distance, the 
soothing roar and rush of the waves, helped to 
compose her mind, and she could sometimes rise 
to the height of self-sacrifice that she had before 
achieved, and feel the purest sense of happiness 
in it. Then Laura would come along, her fiat 
feet encased in white sand-shoes, her coalheaver 
hat halfway down her back, calling in her strident 
tones, Audrey, come along in. Mr. HesketFs 
just turned up, and I’ve got some prawns for tea. 
He wants to take us to the Pier, to the entertain- 
ment, and there isn’t too much time.” 

And Audrey would feel the old sick distaste 
return, and would wearily follow her cousin back 
to the stuffy lodgings, to be mildly chaffed by 
Mr. Heskett on her preference for solitary 
walks. 

I really cawn’t see. Miss Denver, why you don’t 
come on the Esplanade. Looking at the sea fairly 
gives me the hump, and when you can hear a 


194 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


decent band, and see a lot of pretty gurls about, 
there you’ll find me.” 

Possibly Audrey may not find it so amusing 
to look at pretty girls as you do,” said Mr. 
Baxter, mildly sarcastic. 

Oh, well, there’s more than gurls there,” said 
Mr. Heskett, with a wink. But I daresay Miss 
Audrey is a bit too used to seeing one in her 
glass to care about it.” 

Audrey reddened with annoyance, but Laura 
said, rather sharply, You needn’t blush, you 
know, Audrey. He doesn’t mean anything but 
chaff,” which made her all the hotter. 

Alf came down according to contract for the 
week-end, resplendent in new flannels, a straw 
hat with the Guards’ ribbon on it, and yellow 
boots. 

Audrey for once was thankful to see him. 
Her role of chaperone was intolerably irksome, 
and she gladly handed over the responsiJ;)ility to 
him. 

On Saturday, after the midday dinner, she 
escaped, on the excuse of posting a letter, and 
when out of sight of the windows, fled like a 
hunted hare in the direction of Bexhill, where 
the Esplanade ended, and the beach was com- 
paratively deserted. 


OLD FRIENDS 


195 


She walked as rapidly as she could along the 
shelving pebbles, until she found a breakwater 
where the shingle had sunk away on one side, 
sufficiently to afford her a shelter, and she 
crouched down behind it, opened her white 
cotton umbrella, and drew a deep sigh of relief. 

She read a few pages, but gradually let the 
book fall on her knee, while the question rose up 
again in her mind. 

She was deep in thought, absently building up 
a little cairn of pebbles before her, when she heard 
a voice she knew. 

Looking up, she saw, with a start of pleasure, 
Lilian Adair passing, with a pink faced smiling 
girl whom she recognised as Mollie Willoughby, 
one of the Adairs’ house party. 

She jumped up, and they greeted her warmly. 
How very funny to meet you here,” exclaimed 
Lilian. Where are you staying ?” 

In St. Leonards,” she replied, with my 
uncle. Are you there too ?” 

“ Oh no, we’re in Bexhill,” said Lilian. 

Father’s taken a little house there, rather jolly, 
with a tennis court, and we’re here for the 
holidays. I like the bathing, but it’s a bit 
overcrowded, isn’t it ? ” 

Better to be in your own house than rooms,” 


196 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


said Audrey. One feels dreadfully stuffed up 
sometimes, when it’s so hot, and I do long for a 
bit of shade.” 

We’ve got a little garden, but rather a new 
one,” said Lilian. I was bringing Mollie to have 
a look at the people. She is accustomed to a wild 
bit of shore on the west coast of Cumberland, 
where you see nobody but yourselves and a few 
seagulls. But she’s had enough of it, and we are 
just going to catch a tram home to tea. Won’t 
you come too ? ” 

« Why, yes, I’d love it,” said Audrey, grate- 
fully. My people are all out for the afternoon, 
and I was going to be quite alone.” 

As they buzzed along in the tram, Mollie said 
to Audrey, Did you stay much longer with 
those delightful Dorincourts ? ” 

About a week after I saw you,” said Audrey. 

They’ve all gone to Scotland now.” 

I thought you were going with them,” said 
Mollie. I heard Dick talking about it, and I 
wanted to ask you to come to stay with us on 
the way there or back.” 

‘^How awfully good of you,” said Audrey. 

I wish I could have come, but my cousin was 
going to be married, and I came home to be her 
bridesmaid.” 


OLD FRIENDS 


197 


I don’t think it’s much catch being a brides- 
maid, if you ask me,” said Lilian. “ I’ve been 
one four times, and I won’t be ever again. I 
only accepted the last so that Bob couldn’t say. 
Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride.” 

There’s nothing in that,” said Mollie wisely. 
^^I know two people who were, and they got 
married all right.” 

^^What did you wear, Audrey?” enquired 
Lilian. 

“ I wore that white lace frock that you saw 
me in at Dorincourt,” said Audrey, candidly, 
though she saw a flicker of surprise on both the 
girls’ faces. And my cousin had one made like 
it. We’re not rich people, you know.” 

It was a sweet frock,” said Mollie warmly. 
It must have looked awfully nice. Did you 
have a bouquet, and what did the bridegroom 
give you ? ” 

He gave us enamel lockets,” said Audrey. 
And we had bouquets of pink roses.” 

I saw a swagger wedding the other day,” 
said Lilian. ^^They all wore Empire frocks, 
and carried tall walking-sticks with bunches of 
Dorothy Perkins on the handles. The bride’s 
name was Dorothy Perkins before she changed 
it. Wasn’t it killing ? ” 


198 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Both the girls laughed, and Mollie said, 
should think she was glad to change it. How 
she must have been chaffed.” 

She always called herself Doris,” said Lilian. 
^^But when the clergyman read out her real 
name in the banns, we were all so amused. It 
made quite a little laugh in the church. But 
now she’s Dorothy Lansdell, so that’s all 
right.” 

I saw a wedding in the paper the other day 
that amused me,” said Mollie. “ The bride’s 
name was Grubb, and she married a man called 
Beetles.” 

Not much of a change for the better,” said 
Lilian. But here we are.” 

Audrey was perfectly happy again to find 
herself among her friends. If they were not 
the rose, at any rate they had been near the 
rose. 

Comfortable Mrs. Adair rose to meet her with 
some difficulty out of a canvas deck chair, saying 
with a good-natured laugh, 

^^You really must give me a higher chair, 
children, when you bring unexpected visitors. 
I am getting too stout for these flimsy affairs.” 

Tea was laid under a little copper beech tree, 
which, though of tender years, managed to cast 


OLD FRIENDS 


199 


a little shade over a corner of the lawn. There 
was a good tennis ground, and a little shrubbery 
to screen the garden from the road, but not 
much else. 

The house was of the villa type, but clean and 
fresh looking, with white balconies and pots of 
geraniums, and a little gravel terrace in front. 

Captain Adair and Harold were both there, 
and their father speedily appeared. 

He was really pleased to see Audrey again, 
and invited her to share his sheltered garden seat. 
It was very hot, but the cool green of the little 
lawn and young trees, through which could be 
seen the sparkling blue sea, were grateful and 
comforting to Audrey’s eyes, tired with the glare 
of the Esplanade and the beach. She drank her 
tea in silent enjoyment, listening to the quiet 
pleasant voices round her, in their friendly family 
chatter. 

Presently Colonel Adair said, Have you been 
saving anybody else’s life lately, Miss Denver ? ” 

Then as Audrey, laughing and colouring, shook 
her head^ he continued, I think you had better 
join our bathing parties here. We . have two 
tents, and I should feel much safer about my 
family if I had a sort of Grace Darling like you 
to be with them.” 


200 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Grace Darling didn’t swim, father,” exclaimed 
Harold. She only rowed a boat.” 

Ah, well, I expect she knew pretty well how 
to swim before she started.” 

Father,” said Sybil reproachfully, “ you’re 
taking away half her credit.” 

‘‘1 beg the lady’s pardon,” he said meekly. 

But to return to the point. Miss Denver, 
couldn’t you come over and spend the day, and 
do some sea-fishing as well? Are you as good a 
sailor as you are swimmer ? ” 

“ I don’t know,” said Audrey. I never was 
on the sea in my life.” 

“Then that settles it,” said Colonel Adair. 
“ Consider yourself engaged for Monday.” 

“ But, my dear,” interposed Mrs. Adair, “ Miss 
Denver is staying with friends. Possibly she 
has other engagements.” 

“ Bring her friends along then, too,” said the 
hospitable Colonel. 

Audrey pictured to herself the effect of Laura 
and Alf’s appearance, and an uncontrollable smile 
curled her lips, as she said she would be very 
pleased to come, but that her cousin Laura had a 
great many engagements, and that her other 
cousin, who was going to be a doctor, was going 
back to work on Monday. 


OLD FRIENDS 


201 


Haven’t you an uncle, too ? ” asked Lilian. 

^^Oh, yes,” said Audrey, but she didn’t think 
he would care for sea-fishing, tie liked to sit in 
one of the glass shelters and listen to the music, 
best. He had been working rather hard in 
London and wanted to rest. 

A good blow on the sea would be just the 
thing for him,” declared Bob. ^^I’ll come back 
with you. Miss Denver, if I may, and ask him.” 

Audrey was ashamed of the sudden impulse 
she felt to refuse this offer. She really was a 
horrid snob, she thought. She ought not to be 
ashamed of her relations, her own mother’s 
people. She must try and get over this petty 
feeling. If her friends liked her for herself, her 
relations wouldn’t matter. 

So she said soberly that she would be glad to 
introduce Captain Adair to her uncle, and went 
on with her tea. 

Mrs. Adair, watching her, thought, What an 
expressive sensitive face that child has. I 
wonder why she didn’t like the idea, and then 
accepted it. I wonder who her people are. 
Anyhow,, it won’t hurt Bob to see them, and the 
child herself is charming.” 


CHAPTER XIX 


SEA-FISHING 

“ I am, sir, a brother of the angle.” 

IzAAK Walton. 

Audrey felt a little shy when, the lengthen- 
ing shadows warning her of the lateness of the 
hour, she rose to say goodbye, and Captain 
Adair, snatching a cap from the unsuspecting 
Harold, declared his intention of escorting her 
home. 

I say, you are a cad,” remonstrated Harold. 

That’s my new cap.” 

So I observed,” said Bob, calmly. You can 
go and get mine if you’re anxious about your 
complexion. I hear the tram bell ringing. Come 
along. Miss Denver.” 

And he hurried her off with such rapidity that 
she had hardly time for her farewells. 

Arrived at St. Leonards, Audrey led Bob up 
the shabby street, and in at the little private 
door by the greengrocer’s shop, up the narrow 
202 


SEA-FISHING 


203 


stairs, into the sitting-room. It looked even 
more tawdry and pretentious than usual, and 
though, to her relief, Alf was not present, Laura 
was. 

She was poring over the pages of an aggres- 
sively pink paper, which she hastily put out 
of sight, but which Bob’s accustomed eyes 
recognised without difficulty. 

Audrey shyly introduced Bob, and the manners 
and attitude of Laura underwent a metamor- 
phosis, which was laughable in its completeness. 

^^Oh, indeed, very pleased I’m sure,” she 
simpered, patting her puffs of hair into place, 
while she pushed the ^^Pink Un” under the 
chair with her foot. Audrey explained that she 
had met Miss Adair on the shore, and had gone 
back to tea with them, and that Captain Adair 
had kindly seen her home. 

Laura’s sharp little eyes were wandering over 
his face and figure all the time Audrey was 
speaking, and she addressed him with the bridle 
and pout she had found efficacious with the 
youths of Brixton. 

Really, Captain Adair, I have a bone to pick 
with you. We waited for Audrey for ages this 
afternoon. We had got up a little party to go 
to the entertainment on the Pier, ‘ The Comics,’ 


204 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


so clever and amusin’, and she went out to post 
a letter and never came back. Alf was angry 
about it, I can tell you.” 

You didn’t say you wanted me,” said Audrey, 
feeling guilty, and Bob Adair said politely that 
he had heard the Comics, and that they were 
very popular, he believed. 

Where is Uncle John ? ” said Audrey. 

“ He has gone to the reading-room, and Mr. 
Heskett and Alf went to get some cigarettes and 
haven’t come in. I expect they went back to 
the pier,” said Laura. How do you like St. 
Leonards, Captain Adair ? ” 

Rather a hole,” said Bob. ‘^But it suits the 
children, and my mother believes in the air here. 
I’m not staying here much longer. I am going 
to Scotland to shoot.” 

Audrey saw the light leap into his eyes, and 
knew without telling where he was going to 
stay. 

Oh, how delightful,” said Laura. Scotland 
is the land of romance. I have dreamt of going 
there often, but my father holds a Government 
appointment, you know, and has very short 
holidays. And now my sister’s married I shall 
be much tied at home.” 

She glanced up under her rather short eye- 


SEA-FISHING 


205 


lashes in a fascinating way, but Bob was gazing 
fixedly at an oleograph on the walfi and the 
glance was lost upon him. 

Just then Mr. Baxter’s heavy, tired step was 
heard, and he came clumsily into the room, 
peering round with his short-sighted eyes. 

Audrey mentioned Captain Adair’s name, and 
he spoke civilly to him. He was too melancholy 
and absent to be pretentious, and Bob Adair 
and he fell into conversation without difficulty. 
Audrey heard the invitation to the sea-fishing 
party given, and to her surprise accepted. It 
appeared that Mr. Baxter was fond of the sea, 
and used to fish when he was a young man and 
lived near the coast. 

Audrey realised with a feeling of self-reproach 
how very little interest she had taken in her 
uncle’s pursuits, and how ignorant she was of 
them. Laura said in an affected tone of regret, 
Most charmin’ of you. Captain Adair, but I’m 
sorry I’m engaged tomorrow. I’m going with a 
gentleman friend to a concert.” 

Audrey knew this was only a phase of the 
policy of not making oneself too cheap, but felt 
too devoutly thankful to utter any protest, and 
was relieved when Bob got up and took his 
departure. 


206 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


He was a silent young man, and not given to 
criticising his neighbours, and did not say much 
about Audrey’s relatives at home, merely observ- 
ing that she and the uncle were coming, and 
that the uncle was a seedy-looking old buffer. 

What’s the cousin like ? ” asked Sybil. 

Oh, I don’t know,” said Bob, vaguely. 
‘‘ Stoutish party, I think. I didn’t talk to her 
much.” 

The fishing party assembled duly, and set 
forth on their expedition. Mr. Baxter, with a 
recollection of his youth, brought a pair of old 
waders, borrowed from his landlord, a fisherman, 
which presented a somewhat incongruous appear- 
ance with a pair of check trousers and a shabby 
black coat. But his depressed countenance was 
brighter than it had been since his wife’s death, 
and he showed unexpected skill in handling the 
lines, while the fish seemed to prefer his hooks 
to any others. 

As Audrey watched him, his pale face a little 
less pale than usual, his eyes bright with interest, 
his sparse hair ruffled, and his slack, indifferent 
manner changed into alertness and confidence, 
she thought with new-born sympathy that he 
might have been rather good-looking as a young 
man. 


SEA-FISHING 


207 


He was not awkward or shy with the Adairs, 
whose pleasant ways put him at his ease. 
Colonel Adair had come, though. Bob had not, 
and Harold and Sybil, with Mollie Willoughby 
and Audrey, made a good boat load. 

Audrey did not care about the fishing, but 
loved the motion of the boat and the wild free 
breeze. She took off her hat, and let it blow her 
hair about, plunged her hands into the water, 
and simply revelled in the new experience. 

Sybil fished steadily and conscientiously in 
silence, but Mollie found time to chatter. She 
told Audrey all about her own home in Devon- 
shire, in a country rectory, with three little 
sisters. But how they spent all their holidays 
in Cumberland, in a great house standing on the 
borders of the beautiful Lake country. How she 
and her cousin, Dorothy Wyndham, had gone up 
all alone to stay with their fierce old grandfather. 
General Stuart, after the death of his only son. 
How terrified they had been of him. But how 
in the end a little brother had come to Dorothy 
Wyndham, and then somehow some old family 
feud had been healed, and their two mothers 
had been invited to make the Towers their 
home. 

Quite like a story book,” said Audrey. 


208 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


You must come up sometime/' said Mollie^ 
hospitably. “Alison and Dick Dorincourt are 
engaged for a week in the Christmas holidays, 
and we'll have some high old times." 

“ Oh, I do hope I can come/' said Audrey 
wistfully. 

“ I'll ask Mr. Baxter/' said Mollie, and attacked 
him without further ado. “Mr. Baxter, will 
you let Audrey come and stay with us next 
holidays ? " 

“Certainly, Miss Adair," he replied vaguely, 
his thoughts busy below the clear surface of the 
water. 

“ I'm not Miss Adair," she said, “ I’m Mollie 
Willoughby. But you've given consent, haven't 
you ? The name doesn't matter. Then that's 
settled, Audrey. I may call you Audrey, mayn’t 
I ? You had better join on to the Dorincourts, 
and travel with them. It's a pretty long 
journey.” 

“You’re going ahead rather fast," Audrey said 
laughing. “Why not settle our trains at once, 
and what we are to wear ? ’’ 

“ Oh, well, the trains will be altered between 
now and Christmas," said Mollie in all serious- 
ness, “ and you’ll want all your furs." 

“Very well," said Audrey, “I'll tell my 


SEA-FISHING 


209 


furrier to send them back in good time. I think 
the sable coat trimmed with ermine is the sort 
of thing I shall want.’' 

You’re chaffing, I know,” said Mollie. But 
I’m awfully glad it’s settled about your coming.” 

Miss Denver,” said Colonel Adair, from the 
other end of the boat, are you fond of mediaeval 
ruins ? ” 

Bather,” said Audrey. At least I believe 
I could get quite attached to them, if I knew 
any outside books.” 

There’s a fine old castle near here, called 
Bodiam,” he said, ^^and we want to make an 
expedition there next Saturday. Will you and 
your uncle come ? ” 

(( Very good, I’m sure,” murmured Mr. Baxter, 
intent on his line. I and my daughter will be 
delighted.” 

Oh, ah, yes,” answered Colonel Adair. 
“ Bring your daughter by all means as well.” 

He meant me,” whispered Audrey to Mollie. 

I am sure he didn’t mean to fish for an invita- 
tion for Laura, but it can’t be helped.” 

And your son, too,” added Colonel Adair, to 
Audrey’s discomfiture. 

He does not always come down on Satur- 
days,” said Mr. Baxter, but if he does, I am 


210 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


sure he will be delighted to accept your kind 
invitation. He is considered lively.” 

Capital,” said the hospitable Colonel. “ That 
will round up our party very nicely. I believe 
there are constant electric trains, and quite a 
good inn for tea.” 

Audrey listened in a mixture of vexation and 
amusement. To think of Alf cracking his jokes 
gave her a cold shudder, but the vision of Laura, 
with her airs and graces, her exaggerated fashions, 
and her social aspirations, was worse. 

But her philosophy came to her aid again, and 
she made up her mind that what could not be 
cm^ed must be endured, and only hoped that Alf 
and Laura would not be too impossible. 


CHAPTER XX 
A PICNIC 

“ There is a power and magic in the ruined battlement 
For which the palace of the present hour 
Must yield its pomp, and wait till ages are its dower.” 

Byron. 

Alf did come down for the next week-end, 
though happily without Mr. Heskett, and 
accepted the Adairs’ invitation with the proper 
amount of assumed indifference, masking, as 
Audrey knew, a genuine eagerness to go. 

I thought you never spoke to a common or 
garden Mister,” he said to her. I don’t care 
about being introduced to your low friends, 
you know. Why don’t you trot out a lord or 
two ? ” 

Sorry,” said Audrey, ^^but I daresay the 
party could be made up without you.” 

Shouldn’t like to disappoint ’em now,” 
replied Alf. “ Do you think I should wear my 
straw, or a derby ? ” 


211 


212 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


“ The straw,” said Audrey, but not the 
blue and red ribbon.” 

Why, it’s our tennis club,” said Alf, honestly 
astonished. I saw a bounder wearing our 
ribbon the other day, and asked him how he got 
it, as I know all the members.” 

^^What did he say?” enquired Audrey, with 
interest. 

“ He was pretty sick at being spotted, I think,” 
said Alf. He looked down his nose at first a 
bit and didn’t seem to know what to say. Then 
the lady with him spoke up and said it was the 
Guards’ colours, or some sauce like that. I don't 
think. But I saw he didn’t know what he’d 
done, so I just laughed it ofi, and told him in a 
good-natured way to get another. No use bein’ 
hard on people. He won’t do it again in a 
hurry.” 

Very kind of you,” said Audrey, in a voice 
that trembled with mirth. But I think people 
don’t wear club colours much at the seaside. It 
fades them,” she added, with a burst of inspiration. 

So she had the satisfaction of seeing an 
orthodox black band on the hat. She had, 
however, no control over the rest of Alf’s cos- 
tume, which consisted of a cinnamon-coloured 
tweed, with a bright green tie, and socks to 


A PICNIC 


213 


match. But his round face was so full of good 
humour, and his little eyes twinkling so with 
fun, that she felt she could not damp his 
pleasure further. 

Laura had been more difficult to manage, and 
appeared in a very smart, short-waisted long 
white cloth coat, bought at a sale, and slightly 
shop soiled. A large white chip hat, and a 
voluminous white feather boa, with a pair of 
scarlet shoes and stockings, and long red silk 
gloves, constituted her idea of a picnic costume. 

Audrey hinted that the coat would be rather 
hot, but Laura clung to it, though in her secret 
soul she feared the same. 

Audrey wore one of her white school cottons, 
and felt cool and comfortable. 

The Adair party came in by tram to start from 
St. Leonards, and Audrey saw Laura glance at 
the girls’ simple frocks and shady straw hats 
with some uneasiness. 

But Colonel Adair, with his usual kindness of 
heart, seeing that the strange young lady was 
rather out of it ” among the merry chatters of 
the others, attached himself to her, and made 
himself so agreeable that she began to plume 
herself upon the Colonel’s attentions, and wished 
Mr. Heskett was there to see them. 


214 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Lilian and Mollie found Mr. Alf in close 
attendance, and after the first shock caused by 
his appearance, began to find him amusing. 

Audrey’s cousin is simply priceless,” whis- 
pered Mollie to Sybil. I’ve never in my life 
met anything so funny. He looks exactly like a 
Teddy bear. ” 

Audrey had been rather nervous as to the 
effect her relatives would produce, but she saw 
that Alf had more perception than she had given 
him credit for, and did not at first allow his 
sense of humour to overstep the limits. 

He was so entirely a new type to the girls that 
they laughed whole-heartedly at his jests, and 
if Colonel Adair regarded him somewhat fixedly 
under his grizzled eyebro ws, and did not vouch- 
safe him much notice, Alf was quite satisfied with 
the approval of the ladies, and rattled on, in 
perfect satisfaction with himself and his company. 

Colonel Adair and Laiu-a got a little separated 
from the others in the long railway carriage, and 
as Bob had not come with them, having bicycled 
over independently, Alf had it all his own way, 
and Audrey laughed with the rest, wondering if 
she were an awful prig, as well as all the other 
unpleasant things she had accused herself of 
being. 


A PICNIC 


215 


really is quite funny,” site said to her- 
self. But I am in terror all the time for fear 
he will go too far.” 

Limericks, jokes, riddles, and puns poured 
forth in ceaseless flow, and when they reached 
Bodiam they were all quite exhausted with 
laughter. 

Colonel Adair came up, and said quietly to 
Lilian, Rather rowdy, weren’t you, in the train? 
I think we must try to suppress our young 
friend’s high spirits a little now.” 

Lilian smiled and nodded, and when Alf’s 
jovial voice was heard, enquiring if Mollie liked 
birds, and if so, would she kiss him for a lark, 
she slipped her arm into her friend’s and detained 
her behind, with a whispered word, while Alf 
went rollicking on with Harold and some of the 
younger members of the party. 

The mediaeval castle, standing in its moat, 
apparently as sound and whole as if its years 
were counted by tens instead of hundreds, struck 
everybody with admiration. 

From outside, every battlement seemed entire, 
every arrow slit and deeply embedded narrow 
window perfect, and the grass-grown causeway 
across the moat, leading under the ancient 
archway, as whole as in the days of chivalry. 


216 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


The deep grooves down which the wicked- 
looking portcullis had ground its way between 
friends and foes were untouched by time, and 
the rusty iron points of the great gate itself still 
threatened the harmless visitors passing beneath. 

The girls looked about them, impressed by the 
atmosphere of antiquity, and interested in the 
romance which clung round the ivy-grown walls. 

But Alf’s cheerful voice was heard in anecdote : 

So I said to her, ‘ You must take off that 
hat. Miss. It’s a very fine hat, but I didn’t 
pay four bob for my seat to look at a hat all 
afternoon.’ 

“ But she answered me as pert as ninepence, 
and she wasn’t pretty either. ‘ I shan’t take off 
my hat, young man, and that’s flat. The fact 
is I washed my hair last night, and it’s out of my 
control.’ 

I didn’t say anything more then, but goin’ 
downstairs after the performance, I found my 
foot sticking through the flounce of her dress — 
quite by accident of course. 

^ What are you doing ? ’ she says. ^ Get off 
my skirt, please.’ 

' Sorry, Miss,’ says I. ^ The fact is I washed 
my feet last night, and they’ve got out of my 
control.’ ” 


A PICNIC 


217 


The guardian of the precincts here hurried up, 
and expressed a wish for more silence. Colonel 
Adair's grave distinguished appearance, however, 
reassured her and she withdrew. 

Alf, slightly abashed, proceeded to efface him- 
self to some extent, and the graver members of 
the party began to explore the inside of the 
castle, which was entirely in ruins overgrown 
with grass within the surrounding walls. 

Audrey heard Lilian expostulating mildly 
with Mollie, who answered delightedly, Oh, 
Lil, I simply can’t help it. He is too priceless 
for words. I believe he'll ask me to change 
hats before he's done." 

Don't laugh at him too much," said Lilian. 

I'm afraid Father doesn't like it." 

Audrey's cheeks grew hot with shame, and 
she fell back unnoticed. 

She went on a little grassy terrace overlooking 
the moat, and leant over the railing. 

At sixteen, ridicule is very hard to bear, and 
she felt she almost hated Alf. After such an 
exhibition how could she expect the Adairs to 
go on being intimate with her. Surely Colonel 
Adair would never allow his daughters to keep 
her as a friend, with the chance of being thrown 
with her relations. 


218 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


And Laura, with her preposterous clothes and 
her affectations. Audrey wished she was at 
home again. She wished she had never come 
out. She wished she had never been born. 

Then she heard a loud laugh above her, and 
looking up, saw Laura and Alf, with Sybil and 
Harold, on a little platform over her head with an 
open grating floor. A shower of twigs and stones 
came rattling about her ears, as she started and 
jumped back. All right, Audrey,’’ came Alf’s 
tones. Was it having a little snooze then ? 
Or was it thinking about its best young man ? 
Cheer up, old girl. I see two bikes on the road.” 

Poor Audrey retreated from so exposed a 
position into the great open arena of the castle, 
and found Colonel Adair with Lilian and Mollie 
resting in a bit of shade afforded by a tall 
broken buttress. The girls were sitting on the 
grass, and the Colonel, leaning against the wall, 
thoughtfully smoked a cigar. Audrey felt that 
they must be discussing her cousins’ enormities, 
but found on the contrary that they were deep 
in theories as to the arrangement of the interior 
of the castle, and that apparently she and her 
relations held no place in their thoughts. 

Silently she slipped down on the ground beside 
Lilian, and laid her hot face in the cool grass. 


A PICNIC 


219 


Lilian stroked her cheek with a friendly finger, 
and they continued their discussion. 

Suddenly at the broken archway appeared the 
familiar figure of Bob Adair, speaking to some- 
body else behind. And what was he saying? 

Father, I’ve brought an unexpected visitor. 
Here’s Windlesham, of all people. He turned up 
at Bexhill, just as I was starting, and insisted on 
coming along too. That’s why I’m a bit late.” 

Gerard had advanced and was shaking hands 
all round. Audrey sat up, feeling that the sun- 
shine had brightened, and the romance had not 
entirely left the world. 

He looked just the same as usual, unruffled 
and calm, and was explaining to Colonel Adair 
how he had been in town on some business for 
his father, and finding a letter from Bob at his 
club, had conceived the idea of running down 
for the Sunday to Bexhill, town being un- 
supportable in August. 

Colonel Adair, though delighted, was evidently 
rather surprised, and some new ideas began to 
form themselves in liis unsophisticated mascu- 
line mind. He glanced at Lilian, graceful and 
fair, as she chatted pleasantly with the newcomer, 
but he did not look at the tall, shy schoolgirl, 
who sat next her, with bright interested eyes. 


220 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Gerard turned to Audrey, after a little, saying. 
How are you. Miss Denver ? I am slightly 
hurt that you haven’t spoken to me yet.” 

“ You haven’t given me a chance,” said 
Audrey. I want to ask how your mother is, 
and Marjorie and Alison, and the rabbits and 
Roger.” 

^^To the best of my knowledge they are all 
enjoying perfect health,” he replied. There 
are some noisy people coming downstairs. Shall 
we make way for them ? ” 

It is time to go to tea,” said Colonel Adair, 
and Audrey found herself walking with Gerard 
towards the little inn, while Bob followed with 
Mollie, and Colonel Adair and Lilian waited for 
the rest of the party. 

Gerard looked rather attentively at Laura and 
Alf, but seemed to divine with his usual intui- 
tion why they were of the party, without 
explanation, and managed to avoid any intro- 
duction without obvious objection. 

Alf hardly noticed him, but was rather more 
subdued, by finding himself in the same room as 
Colonel Adair, of whom he was slightly in awe, 
and ate and drank in comparative silence, with 
only an occasional witticism to Sybil and Harold, 
who were his principal auditors. 


A PICNIC 


221 


Laura was so much occupied in making her- 
self agreeable to Bob, by whom she sat, that 
she hardly noticed the addition to the party, 
especially as Gerard had drawn Audrey and 
Mollie to a side table. 

So the tea went off quite successfully, and the 
return train was caught without mishap, Gerard 
and Bob returning as they came. 


CHAPTER XXI 


ANOTHER FRIEND 

“ We twain have met like ships upon the sea 
That hold an hour’s converse, so short, so sweet.” 

Alexander Smith. 

Loud and bitter were the reproaches and lamen- 
tations of Laura and Alf when, on their return 
home, they realised that a real live lord had been 
added to their party without their knowing it. 

I couldn’t have believed you were so deep, 
Audrey,” complained Laura. If there was one 
person more than another that I wanted to see, 
it was Lord Windlesham. And how was I to 
know that that lantern-jawed melancholy Jack 
was him.” 

He isn’t lantern-jawed and melancholy,” 
said Audrey indignantly. I didn’t know he 
was coming, either. 

ell, you might have introduced me, I do 
think. I suppose you are ashamed of your 
relations,” said Laura, with a toss of her head. 

222 


ANOTHER FRIEND 


223 


Audrey felt self-convicted, but answered with 
spirit. 

One can’t introduce a man to a lady unless 
he asks for an introduction. Lord Windlesham 
didn’t ask for one.” 

“ Oh, well,” said Laura, highly offended. Of 
course a chit of a child like you knows best. 
But I’ve been in society a good many more 
years than you have ” Hear, hear,” from 
Alf), and I’ve never heard that before. Because 
you happen to know a titled family, that doesn’t 
teach you everything.” 

I believe Miss Fenwick told me that,” said 
Audrey. At least I don’t remember who did, 
if she didn’t.” 

Stuff and nonsense,” responded Laura. It’s 
all an excuse. You carried on with him at that 
little table in the window, till I was quite 
ashamed of you. Running after people indeed. 
You should never make yourself too cheap. 
People don’t think any better of you for 
it.” 

Audrey looked at her cousin before replying, 
and a sort of sentiment of pity wiped out the 
irritation she was beginning to feel. Poor Laura, 
with her red face, her hat all on one side, her 
hair out of curl, her tight costume, dragging 


224 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


open at the buttons. Her foolish scarlet high- 
heeled shoes. Her ill-tempered month and seek- 
ing eyes. It wasn’t worth being angry with her. 
How could she know ? What chance had she 
ever had ? How could she rise above the narrow 
rules, the restricted etiquette, of her bounded 
life? 

Besides, Alf had taken up the cudgels for her, 
and made scathing remarks about his sister’s 
appearance, manners, and general style, till Laura 
was on the verge of tears, and Audrey had to 
intervene as peacemaker. 

Mr. Baxter, who had never been made to 
understand that he had accepted to go to the 
party, was slumbering peacefully in the black 
horse-hair armchair when they returned, and 
roused at the sound of their voices. He asked 
a few perfunctory questions about the expedition, 
and returned to his paper, without hearing the 
answers. 

Presently the usual lodging-house supper was 
brought in, half a cold leg of mutton, with a 
bottle of mixed pickles, a cold German sausage, 
and a piece of stale cheese. A dish of moist 
greengages, and a black tray of tea-things, were 
added by the servant, who then turned up the 
gas over the table and departed. 


ANOTHER FRIEND 


225 


Alf was the only one who did justice to the 
meal. Laura was still sore with mortification, 
and Audrey too preoccupied to eat much. 

After supper, Alf, feeling that he had been 
rather hard on his sister, proposed a turn on the 
Esplanade by moonlight, and the two went off 
together, for Laura, to do her justice, never bore 
malice long, and also fancied herself rather 
bewitching in the white hat and coat. 

Audrey refused to join them, and sat by the 
open window, whence she could get a sideways 
glimpse of the sea, with a brilliant path of moon- 
light across it. 

She sat and gazed into the darkness, dreamily 
thinking over the events of the day, and what a 
delightful surprise it had been to see one of the 
dear Dorincourts again. 

Meanwhile Gerard was doing much the same 
thing at Bexhill. 

After dinner the Adairs had adjourned to the 
verandah, where the men smoked, and the ladies 
sat in peaceful enjoyment of the cool air, after 
the hot day. 

Mrs. Adair had had every detail of the party 
described to her, and had heard most of Alf’s 
jokes, and seen a life-like imitation of Laura’s 
manners from the irrepressible Mollie. 


226 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She shook her head at her, smiling a little, 
but Mollie discerned the slight disapproval, and 
excused herself, saying. 

It isn’t as if we should ever see them again, 
dear Mrs. Adair. He was simply too killing, 
just like ^ ’ Arry’ in ^ Punch,’ you know, and such 
a good-natured piggy little sort of a face he had. 
And he really wasn’t a bit more vulgar than 
Harold is sometimes.” (“ Thanks awfully,” from 
Harold.) “ It was only that he looked so like a 
Teddy bear in a green tie, and his awful sister 
kept on making faces at him, and making him 
worse than ever. Oh, dear, I have had an 
amusing afternoon.” 

‘^Poor Audrey,” said Lilian. “It is rather 
dreadful for her. I simply can’t imagine why 
she is so different to them.” 

“ She must have had a better class of father,” 
said Bob. “ And she hasn’t lived much with 
them. I saw her eyebrows wrinkle up now and 
again in that way they have. But she never 
said a word.” 

“ She’s a very plucky girl,” said Colonel Adair 
warmly. “ I admire her character, but I think 
we won’t see much more of her people.” 

Gerard’s cigarette went out at this point, and 
he took another. He said nothing as he lay 


ANOTHER FRIEND 


227 


back in his deck chair, looking at the sea, while 
the moonlight lit up his clear features and dark 
intent eyes. 

Mrs. Adair glanced at him with affectionate 
approval. 

What a charming son-in-law he would make,” 
thought maternal affection. But her common- 
sense replied, “ No, Lilian would never suit him. 
She hasn’t the brains. Dear sweet child she is, 
but she would bore him after a while. There is 
intellect and ambition behind that dilettante 
manner. But it is odd his coming down to us 
like that. Of course it may be all right, but I 
think we mustn’t soar too high, whatever dear 
Daddy says.” 

For Colonel Adair, extremely pleased with his 
unusual flash of perspicacity, had confided his 
ideas to his wife while dressing for dinner. 

After coffee, Gerard rose and proposed a walk, 
which suggestion Bob eagerly seconded, and the 
two went off together in the moonlight. 

Nowhere much to go to,” said Bob, just 
along the road to right or left. Beastly walking 
on the shingle.” 

^^Come on, dear ass,” said Gerard placidly. 

daresay you have more than one pair of 
boots. I don’t see so much of the sea as you 


228 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


blase Bexhill men. I want to ^ steep my soul in 
the splendour of the night/ don’t you know. 
Right about face, turn.” 

And the two tramped along till the firmer 
ground of the St. Leonard’s Esplanade was 
reached, and after about half a mile more, 
Bob said. 

That’s where those Baxters lodge. -Up that 
side street. Jolly little girl that Miss Denver, 
eh ? Rather a fish out of water with ’em, to my 
mind.” 

You^re a very clever chap,” said Gerard 
ironically. Give us another match.” 

Sunday afternoon was spent by the Baxter 
family in strolling up and down the pier, to the 
cheerfully mundane strains of a band, and Audrey 
as usual got away to her favourite haunt under 
the breakwater on the beach. 

She was hardly surprised when a light firm 
step was heard, and Gerard dropped from above 
into her sheltered corner. 

It seemed quite natural, and she looked up 
with a sweet frank smile, and no embarrassment. 

On his side it appeared also quite a matter of 
course, and he said, as he settled down beside her. 

Pier’s too expensive for the likes of me. But 
there seem plenty of millionaires in these parts.” 


ANOTHER FRIEND 


229 


Yes indeed, it looks black with people,” 
agreed Audrey, looking across the sea. The 
music sounds rather jolly from here.” 

‘^Strictly Sabbatarian tunes, I notice,” said 
Gerard, as the strains of Waltz me round again, 
Willie,” floated towards them. 

There was a pause. Then he said, ^^Miss 
Denver. Or may I adopt Shakespeare’s language 
and say Audrey ? It is so much shorter.” 

Why, of course,” said Audrey naturally. 
^^All the others do.” 

^Yery well then, Audrey. Why shouldn’t 
you come up to Glentulloch for the rest of your 
holidays ? Or do you think you oughtn’t to ? ” 

Audrey raised candid eyes to his. Honestly,” 
she said, I think I’d better not. Laura’s going 
away in a week, and it would be too dreary for 
poor uncle coming home to an empty house. He 
misses Aunt Edwina dreadfully still.” 

Poor old chap,” said Gerard sympathetically. 
^^Well, I know it’s useless to try and shake 
your adamantine resolution, but my mother 
would have liked you to come, and the girls.” 

I’m sorry,” said Audrey simply, but her tone 
carried conviction. 

Well, there’s always the Christmas holidays 
to look forward to,” said Gerard. We must 


230 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


arrange another blizzard I suppose, as nothing 
less than the forces of nature seem able to 
influence you.’' 

I’ll come for less than that,” she said. But 
I am afraid it’s getting late. I must go home to 
tea.” 

Can’t you come back to the Adairs ? ” said 
Gerard invitingly. 

Audrey shook her head. She felt she could 
not invite him back with her. She knew 
exactly the sort of comments his appearance 
would excite, but she felt he was waiting for 
an invitation. 

I should like to know your uncle,” was his 
next remark as he threw a very ineffective stone 
at a hovering seagull. 

Would you?” was the only remark that 
occurred to her. 

But as I am evidently not to have that 
privilege,” he said coolly, I fail to see any 
necessity for tea. Why not stay here comfortably. 
Or shall I go and get a tray from the hotel ? I 
can speak a little German.” 

Audrey’s only reply to this pleasantry was to 
rise and shake the sand from her skirt, while 
Gerard lay on his back and regarded her 
quizzically. 


ANOTHER FRIEND 


231 


You’ll be late too/’ she said. Mrs. Adair 
will think you are lost.” 

Gerard, seeing she was in earnest, refrained 
from teasing her any more, and they scrambled 
back on to the higher beach, and there parted, 
Audrey turning mournfully homewards, while he 
set off at a brisk walk towards Bexhill. 

He really is a dear,” she reflected. “ It is nice 
seeing any of them, my own dear people. Oh 
dear, how 1 wish things weren’t so difficult and 
puzzling. Why can’t I be a relation without 
having to take anything away from them ? How 
I wish I had somebody to talk to about it all. 
The absurd thing is that the only person in the 
world I feel would really understand, is Gerard 
himself. Just like a kind brother he is to me. 
I wish it wasn’t so long to Christmas. But it 
will be fun having Alison at Miss Fenwick’s next 
term,” and cheered by this reflection, she mustered 
up resolution to partake of tea and shrimps with 
her uncle and cousins. 


CHAPTER XXII 


AT THE TOWERS 

“ Now simmer blinks on flowery braes, 

And o’er the crystal streamlet plays.” 

Burns. 

A YEAR had elapsed. Alison had been very 
happy at Miss Fenwick’s, and she and Audrey 
had become close and intimate friends. 

Audrey was sadly looking forward to leaving 
her beloved school, but her grief was mitigated by 
the fact that Alison was to accompany her to 
Paris for six months finishing,” after their 
summer in the north. The time had slipped by 
in the pleasant monotonous duties and pleasures 
of school life, varied by the delightful holidays, 
which she had spent mainly with the Dorincourts. 

During the last Christmas vacation they had 
all been to Switzerland for three weeks winter 
sports, and had enjoyed skating, liiging, and 
skiing, and where, to everybody’s suprise, Gerard 
had foregone his hunting, and joined the party. 

232 


AT THE TOWERS 


233 


Laura was now Mrs. Heskett, and settled in a 
very new villa in Hornsey, whence she descended 
spasmodically upon her father’s establishment, 

to look after things a bit,” generally succeeding 
in upsetting the servants and destroying Mr. 
Baxter’s slovenly comforts. He and Alf got on 
very well together, and he seemed quite resigned 
to the loss of his masterful daughter. Audrey 
always spent a week or two with him every 
holidays, but had become so entirely accepted as 
one of the family party at Dorincourt, that she 
looked upon it as her home. She had her own 
room, and her own riding horse, and had made 
acquaintance with every man, woman, and child 
on the estate, and every nook and corner of the 
beautiful old house. 

Her secret had never been divulged. Had it 
become a question of living in Brixton, and only 
seeing the Dorincourts as casual acquaintances, it 
is hard to know if her resolution could have stood 
the test. But her fortunate rescue of little Roger 
had given her such a claim on his family, and the 
strong unexplained attraction they mutually felt 
for each other, made her presence there feel 
perfectly natural, while the more she saw of them, 
the less she felt it possible to* spring such a mine 
upon them. 


234 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


So, when now and then it crossed her mind, 
she put it on one side, vaguely postponing the 
idea to a more convenient season. 

It was the end of the summer term, and she 
and Allison were to go together to Cumberland, to 
stay at the Towers with General Stuart, Mollie 
Willoughby’s grandfather, on their way to Glen- 
tulloch. Lord Heversham’s shooting box in 
Scotland. 

Audrey was to spend the rest of the holidays 
there, to make up for having missed it last year. 

General Stuart was a hospitable, though 
somewhat irascible, old gentleman, and the girls 
were looking forward to their visit, and had been 
promised some mountaineering. 

It was a fine house, but, after the grandeur of 
Dorincourt, it did not strike terror to Audrey’s 
heart, as it might have done in her Brixton days. 

There was quite a large house party, but they 
were principally relations. 

Mollie’s father had just been presented with 
the living by General Stuart, and he and his 
wife were staying at the Towers with their 
children while the vicarage was being prepared 
for their reception. The little girls however 
were not included in the dining-room party, 
which the General liked to keep rather formal 


AT THE TOWERS 


235 


and stately. But they inhabited the nursery 
wing, and their spirits did not seem to suffer 
from their exclusion from politer circles. They 
were rosy-faced little maidens with fair pigtails, 
and all agreed to spoil and mother the little boy 
cousin, Dorothy Wyndham’s brother, who was 
the grandson and heir of the old General, a 
pale-faced serious little lad of five years old, 
with long eyelashes, and old-fashioned manners. 
Dorothy Wyndham was there too, and her father 
and mother. Mr. Wyndham, a clean-shaven dry 
man, was a rather distinguished barrister and 
K.C., and his wife was a placid woman, who 
having undergone a good deal of anxiety in her 
early married life, was blossoming out in the 
later sunshine of prosperity. 

A soldier or two, friends of General Stuart’s 
only son, who had been killed in the Boer war, 
and the local doctor, made up the dinner party 
the first night. But they were still a man short, 
though the General explained that the next day 
that would be rectified, as Lord Windlesham was 
joining them. 

Alison and Audrey were equally surprised and 
pleased, and there ensued much discussion of 
plans and expeditions. 

You had better look sharp and take 


236 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


advantage of this fine weather, if you are going 
to climb Scaw Fell,” said Mr. Wyndham. It 
rains here five days out of seven, you know, and 
we’ve only had three wet days this week yet.” 

Father,” said Dorothy reproachfully, don’t 
crab our climate. The glass is as high as it can 
be, and it looks perfectly settled.” 

What time does Gerard come ? ” asked 
Alison of her host. 

“He proposes to arrive in his automobile,” 
replied the General, who never used abbrevia- 
tions. “He hopes to be here by five o’clock. 
But I have doubts of the reliability of those 
machines.” 

“ Oh, Gigs never breaks down,” said Alison 
confidently. “ He always gets there every time, 
as an American girl at school said.” 

The General, who disapproved of slang, looked 
grave, and Alison, catching a twinkle in Audrey’s 
eye, resolved to guard her tongue. 

“ Does he — er — guide his machine himself ? ” 
he enquired politely. 

“You bet — I mean he can,” said Alison. 
“ But he has a capital shover — chauffeur — and 
it isn’t more than sixty or seventy miles. He is 
sure to get here all right.” 

In the meanwhile Audrey was discussing with 


AT THE TOWERS 


237 


Mollie, who had gone short of an escort, the 
plans for the next day. 

We’ll all bathe in the morning,” Mollie said. 

We’ve got a ripping bathing box on the shore, 
among the sandhills, and the sea doesn’t go out 
more than two miles, with luck. Can you 
swim ? ” 

Yes,” said Audrey, I’m very fond of it.” 

Well, you’ll have to walk a bit for it,” said 
Mollie. I break down with nervous exhaustion 
myself by the time I get up to my waist, but it’s 
all right when you get there.” 

“We might take our lunch, and spend the 
day there, some of us,” said Dorothy Wyndham, 
joining in the conversation. “ The children love 
it, and we can sketch and read, and go to sleep 
in the sandhills, if we feel inclined.” 

“ It sounds simply delightful,” said Audrey. 
“I’ve hardly ever bathed in the sea. But I 
haven’t got a gown.” 

“ Lot’s there,” said Mollie. 

“ I want to climb a Cumberland mountain,” 
remarked Alison. “I’ve brought my Swiss 
alpenstock.” 

“ We must wait till your brother comes,” said 
Dorothy. “ We think of an expedition up Scaw 
Fell on Friday, if it is not too far.” 


238 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Scaw Fell is the mountain where the Pillar 
rock is, isn’t it ? ” enquired Alison. 

Yes, but we can’t attempt that,” said 
Dorothy. It is very difficult and dangerous.” 

^‘I’m rather afraid of Scaw Fell/’ observed 
Audrey. ^^I’m not very good at heights, they 
make me giddy, and I think I should prefer to 
sit ingloriously at the bottom, and prepare a 
sumptuous meal against your return.” 

“ Oh, nonsense,” said Dorothy. We shouldn’t 
enjoy it a bit without you. Besides, we might 
come down a different way, and then what would 
become of your sumptuous meal ? ” 

I should be reluctantly obliged to eat it up 
myself,” said Audrey gravely, but the others all 
protested against any such plan. 

I know,” said Mollie. Don’t let’s bother 
with Scaw Fell. We’ll all go to tea on Irton 
Pyke.” 

“ Oh no,” said Alison. Never mind Audrey, 
she’s talking through her hat. I mean,” with a 
scared look at the old General, who was for- 
tunately engaged in conversation, she’s only 
pretending she’s frightened. She climbed like a 
chamois in Switzerland.” 

Yes, and it’s exactly that way that I found 
out how much I disliked it,” said Audrey. 


AT THE TOWERS 


239 


But don’t let me take such a prominent part 
in this conversation. You all settle something, 
and I’ll fall in with it, if I can.” 

Not Irton Pyke then ? ” said Dorothy. 

^^Too tame,” said Mr. Wyndham. Why not 
try Great Gable ? It isn’t nearly so serious a 
climb as Scaw Fell, and can be done in three or 
four hours. There are some magnificent views 
there.” 

Is that the pyramid shaped mountain at the 
head of Wastwater ? ” asked x\lison. ‘‘ Yes, that 
looks quite a good climb . I like a mountain I 
shall know again when I get down. I vote for 
Great Gable.” 

Just then Mrs. Wyndham gave up trying to 
catch Alison’s eye, and rose without doing so. 

They had a musical evening. One of the 
strange soldiers, Mr. Hattering, sang, and Audrey 
played. Mollie and Dorothy sang duets, and 
the old General beat time with his stick on the 
floor, and demanded encores. 

The other man, a Major Grey, sat next Alison, 
and confided in her what a change there had 
come over the old gentleman since his reconcilia- 
tion with his daughters. His son, Stephen, a 
rattling good fellow, was a friend of mine,” he 
explained. It used to worry him a lot, the 


240 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


family rows and all that. He said he’d give 
anything to put it right. Poor chap, he did in 
the end put it right, but he lost his life for it.” 

I daresay that was what he would have 
wished,” said Alison softly. 

Lucky there’s an heir,” continued Major 
Grey, after a pause. The General thinks a lot 
of the family tree, and all that. Do you know 
this country. Lady Alison?” 

^^Not a bit,” she said. know Scotland 
and Yorkshire, but this seems a little different 
from both.” 

Warmer than Yorkshire. More colour than 
Scotland,” said the Major briefly. 

The next day both descriptions were verified. 
The party were conveyed in the motor to the 
shore, a wild and desolate stretch of beach, but 
with a certain charm of its own. The flat shore, 
sloping very gradually from shingle to sand, 
down to the opal sea, lying still under a faint 
blue sky. The pale shapes of the sandhills, with 
the lilac shadows in their soft hollows, were 
sparsely fringed with wiry blue-grey grass, among 
which grew fairy pansies and tiny pink sea 
campion. Behind them rose the exquisite range 
of hills, amethyst and grey, with patches of cool 
green and heather purple in the foreground, and 


AT THE TOWERS 241 

here and there the pale gold of a ripening corn- 
field. 

The misty distances, the softened pearly lights 
over the sea, and the changing shadows of the 
hills were very lovely, and Audrey sat in despair, 
her sketching block on her knee, while Dorothy 
touched in a delicate clear outline, and Mollie 
incited the younger ones to wild rolls and romps, 
down the miniature precipices and crevasses of 
the sandhills. 

Presently the tide was judged to be high 
enough for bathing^ and Audrey and Alison, 
with Mollie and some of the little ones, had a 
delicious dip. Audrey caused much alarm and 
excitement by her swimming powers, calling 
forth to her embarrassment a full description by 
Alison of her rescue of Roger, to a deeply inter- 
ested audience. 

Meanwhile, Dorothy and the children’s nurse 
had prepared the sumptuous meal,” and so the 
time wore on. 

After lunch, the girls made another attempt at 
sketching, and with their wet hair spread out to 
dry, sat on the warm sand, drowsing or conversing 
dreamily. Suddenly a brindled Aberdeen ap- 
proached and barked ostentatiously from a little 
distance, while in the background a figure in 


242 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


light flannels with a Panama hat, was seen taking 
a leisurely course in their direction. 

Oh, bother, here’s a strange young man 
coming,” said Mollie. I ask you, am I in a 
condition to receive strange young men ? ” 

“Certainly not,” said Dorothy. “ Go back to 
the box, and do your hair. You can keep behind 
the sandhills.” 

Mollie, followed by Celia and the two next 
sisters, accordingly crawled on hands and knees in 
procession round the sandbank, and would have 
got off unperceived but for the officious conduct 
of Orpheus, who danced a war dance in front of 
them, with shrill barks, to their inexpressible 
fury. 

His master, however, coming up, looked in- 
dustriously in the other direction, and taking off 
his hat to the remaining slightly disconcerted 
damsels, sat down without invitation, took the 
youngest Willoughby on his knee, and made 
himself at home. 

“ How did you get here ? ” demanded Alison. 

“ It occurred to me to ask the way,” he said. 
“ I found the house empty, and I presume swept 
and garnished, and followed you up. I thought 
you would enjoy your tea better if you had it 
with me.” 


CHAPTER XXIII 


MOUNTAINEERING 


“ Mountains are the beginning and end of all natural 
scenery.” 


Ruskin. 


The Great Gable expedition having been decided 
upon, the spirits of the party fell considerably 
when the morning dawned grey and sunless, 
with a sprinkling of fine rain. 

When the girls assembled in the morning 
room after breakfast, they were rather a doleful 
company, though Celia strummed cheerfully on 
the piano, and did her best to lighten the gloom. 

Only Audrey was conscious of a happy con- 
tentment of spirit, that made her satisfied with 
any circumstances. She did not know herself 
why she felt it didn’t matter in the least what 
they did, but she could not join in the chorus 
of grumbles, and set herself so placidly to the 
manufacture of paper frogs for the children, that 
she roused the ire of the others. 


243 


244 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Audrey,” said Alison indignantly, I wonder 
you aren’t ashamed of yourself. You haven’t 
backed us up in the least. Was there ever such 
a horrible, hideous, howling wilderness of a day ? 
You must agree with me, or I’ll throw this 
cushion at you.” 

Yes,” chimed in Mollie. Look at her 
sitting there so prim and contented, while we 
rage furiously round. Audrey, if there is one 
thing I do hate, it’s a superior woman.” 

How dare you call me such a thing,” said 
Audrey, roused. I am only suiting myself to 
circumstances, and producing frogs to match the 
weather. Besides, I believe it’s going to clear. 
See that blue spot.” 

“ Enough for one, but not enough for two,” 
quoted Alison, returning to the window. Oh 
dear, what shall we do, and I’ve put on my em- 
broidered linen, and it will get all draggle-tailed. 
Why, oh, why, didn’t I bring my new Burberry, 
instead of sending it on to Glentulloch ? ” 

“You had better wear an old serge,” said 
Dorothy, “ and take something warm to put on at 
the top. It’s awfully cold there sometimes.” 

“ But what’s the use of talking, when we can’t 
go at all ? ” groaned Mollie. “ I shall come and 
play beggar-my-neighbour with the kids.” 


MOUNTAINEERING 


245 


Stephen can play beggar-my-neighbour,” said 
Phyllis confidentially to Audrey. “ Only he 
always thinks the kings are knaves.” 

Rather awkward sometimes/’ said Audrey. 

Here’s another frog finished. Put his eyes in, 
Margaret. Just two ink blobs. Isn’t he lovely?” 

What’s the time ?” asked Alison. 

Only half -past ten,” replied Dorothy com- 
fortingly. ^^Lots of time for it to clear yet. 
We don’t start till half-past eleven. I think it’s 
lighter already.” 

Come and have a knock up at billiards,” said 
Mollie to Alison. It’ll help to pass the time.” 

The men are all there,” objected Alison. 

“ Well, they won’t eat us if they are,” retorted 
Mollie. They are not playing, anyhow. We 
could hear the balls from here if they were.” 

Yes, do go,” said Dorothy, and leave me 
and Audrey in peace. Take Celia with you. 
Audrey’s got the little ones quite happy, and I 
want to write up my diary.” 

So for ten minutes peace reigned, and Audrey 
manufactured frogs of all sizes, in response to a 
practically unlimited demand, until the table was 
covered with them. 

The door opened, and Gerard entered cau- 
tiously. 


246 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


May I come in ? ” he said. The presence 
of Stephen reassures me. From the sounds we 
heard below I feared it was a Suffragette 
meeting.” 

“Oh, that was Celia,” said Dorothy. “She 
was singing, ^I’m afraid to go home in the 
dark,’ and the little ones were dancing, until 
Audrey invented these animals to keep them 
quiet.” 

“I could imagine myself in Egypt,” said 
Gerard. “We have suffered an invasion, and 
been ignominiously routed. Grey and Hallerton 
have capitulated, and are now playing pool, but 
I fled to cover.” 

He sat down beside Audrey, and began to 
build a pyramid of frogs, with the delighted 
assistance of the children. 

“ When I was a little frog, — boy, I mean,” 
he informed them, “ I had a great ambition to 
become an engine driver. So I borrowed a can' 
of pink paint, and gave a dinner party.” 

“ Who came to it ? ” enquired Stephen, with 
breathless interest. 

“All sorts of creeping things,” said Gerard. 
“ Some of them wore hats, but some only chewed 
cabbage leaves.” 

“Was that the dinner party?” said Margaret. 


MOUNTAINEERING 


247 


dear no/’ said Gerard. ^MVe had a 
very good French cook, you know, and he made 
us some perfectly delicious gollybobs.” 

What are those ?” asked Phyllis. 

That’s a secret,” said Gerard gravely. The 
awkward thing was I couldn’t remember all 
their names, and so they said I must wear a 
green feather, and sit on the soup tureen.” 

^^What did you do wiv the pink paint?” 
enquired Stephen. 

“ Gave it away in charity,” said Gerard. You 
can’t think how nice I looked in that green feather. 
And all my relations said there was a great deal 
of good in me really.” 

“ What did you do at dinner ? ” said Stephen. 

Played marbles, mostly,” said Gerard. But 
the chimney smoked so, it was perfectly awful, 
and then the band played, ^ Waltz me round once 
again, Willie,’ and all the stags began to blow 
their horns. You never heard such a row. Miss 
Denver, it’s rude to laugh. I shall stop talking.” 

Oh no, do go on,” begged the children. 

^^I’m offended,” said Gerard. 

Audrey, be quiet,” ordered Phyllis. 

Who gave you leave to call her Audrey ? ” 
enquired Dorothy, whose diary seemed to have 
become rather neglected. 


248 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Never mind, do go on/’ implored Stephen, 
dancing on Gerard’s toes. 

Well, where was I ? ” said Gerard. 

The stags were blowing their horns,” 
prompted Phyllis. 

“ But the king stopped that. He said it was 
time for a little recitation, so Madame gave us 
^The death of Nelson,’ until all the toadstools 
exploded, and the sun came out, and we all 
started to go up Great Gable.” 

And Gerard stood up, emptying the children 
on to the floor, and Dorothy and Audrey suddenly 
discovered that the clouds had magically cleared 
away. 

I’d wather go on wiv the story,” said 
Stephen. 

^^We will hope to meet again,” said Gerard. 
^^At present I must run and get my nurse to 
button my boots.” 

‘‘1 wears lace boots,” observed Stephen. 

^^Ah, but I can’t afford them,” said Gerard 
sadly. Real lace is so expensive, and I really 
couldn’t wear imitation. Don’t you agree with 
me ? ” 

Gerard, don’t puzzle the child,” said Audrey. 

His poor little brain is whirling already.” 

So is mine,” said Dorothy. “ How you can 


MOUNTAINEERING 


249 


talk such nonsense. Lord Windleshara, I can’t 
imagine.” 

Who can define nonsense ? ” asked Gerard. 

What is nonsense to some people is inspiration 
to others. There are even people who believe 
in spirit-rapping, and vegetarianism.” 

I hear the motors coming round,” exclaimed 
Dorothy. Audrey, we must fly.” 

As the cheerful company started, the sun 
shone out brilliantly, reflecting from every wet 
glistening leaf and puddle, till the world seemed 
crystallised. Big white woolly clouds slowly 
bundled across the cobalt blue sky, casting 
fleeting shadows on the rugged sides of the hills. 

Their road lay beside Wastwater, one of the 
least frequented and wildest of the English lakes. 
It lay like a sheet of polished blue steel, under 
the frowning Screes, which fell smooth and sheer 
down to its surface, carrying the imagination to 
unknown depths below it. 

All that side lay in deep shadow, purple and 
black, and the reflection in the water looked dark 
and forbidding, reminding the looker on of the 
many tragedies connected with the spot. But the 
other side, where the white road ran, following 
the contour of the lake, was flooded with sun- 
shine, and the green fells rose in softly undulating 


250 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


waves, some covered with, bracken, through 
which peeped grey masses of granite, and others 
clothed in brilliant green or orange mosses and 
lichen. 

At the head of the lake, towered the triangular 
mass of Great Gable, on the right the huge 
humped shoulder of Scaw Fell, with Scaw Fell 
Pike beyond, and Yewbarrow stood among his 
peers on the left, Kirk Fell, Middle Fell, Scat- 
allan and Red Pike, all grey and green. 

The chatter of the young folks was hushed for 
a while, as they sped along the road towards 
Wasdale Head, through the wild and solitary 
country. 

The tiny church, peering out from its secluded 
valley, like some timid little animal, half con- 
cealed, but constrained to prick one ear over 
its shelter, the cluster of grey stone and white- 
washed cottages, and the little inn, were soon 
reached. 

The motors were unloaded, and the ascent 
began. The climbers consisted of Mr. Wyndham, 
Mollie, and her tomboy sister Celia, Dorothy, 
Alison, and Audrey, Major Grey, Mr. Hattering, 
and Gerard. 

The ascent was not very toilsome at first, 
and it was pleasant enough walking over the 


MOUNTAINEERING 


251 


short turf, with occasional boulders cropping up, 
and now and then a tract of shale. 

As they got higher, the view widened, and 
the girls paused as much for the enjoyment of 
the prospect as for breath, so often, that they 
were called to order by Mr. Wyndham, saying 
they would never get there. 

They then climbed steadily onwards, Audrey 
finding Gerard always somewhere in her neigh- 
bourhood, helpful and ready, though his irre- 
sponsible talk kept the whole party amused, and 
he singled out nobody for special attention. 

The sun went in and out, and the big woolly 
clouds accumulated, till Mr. Wyndham glanced 
a little anxiously at the sky, and at his watch 
now and then. 

Audrey, toiling conscientiously upward, with 
her eyes fixed on the track, suddenly felt a drop 
of rain, and almost instantly a waterproof cape 
fell round her shoulders, and covered her up. 
She had hardly time to protest, when a storm 
of wind and rain burst upon them, and a scene 
of confusion ensued. They had come more or 
less prepared, and macintoshes were hastily 
unstrapped, and umbrellas opened, while every- 
body made for the nearest shelter. 

They were on a rather exposed part of the 


252 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


mountain, but there were granite rocks available 
for shelter on the windward side. Audrey and 
Alison found themselves crouching under the 
same one, breathless with laughter and exertion, 
and Major Grey made his way to them. 

They sat together, huddled up under the lee 
of the big boulder, sheltering as best they could, 
squeezed into the smallest possible compass. 
Audrey looked round for Gerard, but he was 
not to be seen. 

“ Alison,’' she said, had your brother more 
than one macintosh with him ? ” 

I don’t think so,” replied Alison. ^^Why ?” 

^^Oh dear, then I’m afraid he’s given me his,” 
said Audrey in a tone of distress. I was quite 
all right in my aqua-scutum, but he put this 
over me too, and disappeared. I must give it 
him back.” 

She craned round the edge of the rock. Near 
them stood another crag, behind which sheltered 
Mr. Wyndham, with the two Willoughby girls 
and Mr. Hattering. 

“ I can’t see him,” she said. “ There seems to 
be rather a fog coming on.” 

I hope not,” said Major Grey. A fog up 
here is no joke. But the rain is stopping. Let’s 
get out of this.” 


MOUNTAINEERING 


253 


They re-assembled, and Mr. Wyndham 
counted heads, with the result that Dorothy 
Wyndham was missing, and Gerard. 

The fog thickened, and he looked rather 
anxious. 

Let’s give them a call,” he said, and they 
shouted together. But nothing was heard, and 
he said, I’m afraid we must give up any 
more hope of getting to the top today. These 
fogs sometimes last a long time. We must 
get down as quickly as we can. Keep all 
together. Dorothy knows the way all right, 
and if she is with Windlesham, he will take 
care of her.” 

Let’s give them another call,” said Mollie, 
but again there was no response. 

After a pause Major Grey said, Curious how 
a fog deadens sound. I remember once when I 
was in the Andes — What was that ? A cry ? ” 

They all listened, but it was only the bleat of 
a mountain sheep. 

Mr. Wyndham marshalled his party, and 
moving carefully, following the track they had 
taken in the morning, he brought them all down 
again safely to the little inn, but still the two 
missing ones had not appeared. 

They’ve taken the wrong track down,” said 


254 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Mollie. There are several different ones. 
Let’s go and eat our sandwiches in the coffee 
room, and wait for them. They’ll be here 
directly.” 

But the scratch meal was not a very cheerful 
one, and Mr. Wyndham looked constantly out 
at the window. 

It was now pouring with rain, and the out- 
look was most dismal. 

I think we must all pack into the big 
motor,” he said, if we can, and leave Windle- 
sham’s car here for them to come back in. 
There’s no use our all waiting for them. If we 
can’t all get in I’ll walk home.” 

^^I’ll join you,” said Major Grey, ^^and they 
can pick us up when they pass us.” 

So a rather depressed party was despatched 
homewards in the roomy motor, and arrived 
about four o’clock. 

Major Grey and Mr. Wyndham returned an 
hour later, but there was still no sign of the 
absentees. 

Everybody told the others stories of similar 
adventures, and Mollie related how Dorothy had 
once before been lost on the fells, and given 
them a great fright. Though all the tales had 
cheerful endings, a cloud of depression hung 


MOUNTAINEERING 


255 


over them all, and the formal dinner, which 
nobody dared to shirk, was a burdensome duty. 
Poor Mrs. Wyndham looked very white, at the 
head of the table, and the old General was 
gruffer than ever. 

However, as the meal proceeded, the welcome 
sound of a motor horn was heard, and the grave 
butler announced to his master, Lord Windle- 
sham and Miss Wyndham have returned, sir. 
But they are extremely wet, and will not come 
in till they have changed.” He then stood 
aside to let Mrs. Wyndham pass, who for once 
infringed the General's strict rules, and left the 
room without apology. 

But the General only said, ^‘Very well, 
Matthews, you may bring in the next course,” 
and the conversation broke out with relieved 
vigour, while, though Mollie fidgeted and looked 
imploring, the rest of the party had to stifle 
their curiosity while the long elaborate meal 
wore to its end. 

However, in a short time Gerard slipped in, 
and saying quietly to the butler, “ Go on 
where you are, I don’t want soup or fish,” 
unfolded his napkin, and begad his dinner so 
unconcernedly that at first his entrance was not 
observed, except by Audrey. 


256 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


She said to him, under her breath, ^^What 
did happen ? Everybody was getting quite 
frightened.” 

No wonder,” said Gerard genially. “ You 
have my profoundest sympathy. But it was 
only that we were a little too cocksure of 
knowing our way, and took an absolutely wrong 
track. Miss Wyndham’s umbrella was the real 
culprit, though I’m afraid the General will blame 
me. I nearly brought it in to screen me from 
his eye. I shall feel stronger when I have eaten 
something. At present I am shaking like an 
aspen.” 

Go on,” said Audrey. Tell me what 
happened.” 

Well, it can’t defend itself,” said Gerard, 
so I will speak the truth. It flew out of her 
hand in that squall, and I went to get it, while 
she waited for me. It behaved as one possessed, 
and led me a pretty dance. But my strength of 
character eventually conquered, and I captured 
it. So then we discovered that you had been 
careless enough to forget our existences, and we 
wandered down the mountain side, lamenting the 
lecadence of friendship, till we fetched up at 
some unholy spot, about four miles from Wast- 
dale, whence we had to tramp back.” 


MOUNTAINEERING 


257 


^^Poor Dorothy!” said Audrey. How tired 
she must be ! ” 

Well, of course, she had the benefit of my 
conversation, which was most sustaining,” said 
Gerard. But a day in bed will make her all 
right. She is more or less used to these 
adventures, she tells me.” 


CHAPTEK XXIV 


A CONFESSION 

“ The sweet youth’s in love.” 

Shakespeare. 

A FEW days later, Gerard sought his father in 
the smoking room of the little grey stone house, 
known as Glentulloch Lodge, where the Dorin- 
court party were now settled. 

It had originally been only a bachelor’s rough 
shooting box, hut Lord Heversham was old- 
fashioned enough to prefer his pleasures in the 
company of his wife and family, and had altered 
and enlarged it to accommodate them. 

But it was a small place still, and its deep 
windows, low ceilings and thick walls, made the 
rooms look even smaller than they were. 

But there was a wild freshness in the moorland 
air, and a delightful freedom from all social 
obligations, that gave Lady Heversham a real 
holiday. She loved the little spot, and would 


A CONFESSION 


259 


not have missed her annual sojourn there for any 
amount of smart visits. 

The house had no flower garden, and stood on 
the bare wild moor, with tracts of pink and 
purple heather spreading on every side, a 
tinkling brown burn singing its cheerful song, as 
it tumbled over in miniature cascades a stone’s 
throw from the door ; and ranges of blue 
mountains rising all round. 

It stood ten miles from the station, and as it 
hardly boasted of a drive to be distinguished 
from a sheep track, motors and carriages were 
all left at home, and a big springless kind of 
waggonette accommodated the sportsmen and 
the family alike. 

There was good grouse shooting, and sometimes 
a stag, but there was no room for large shooting 
parties, and Lord Heversham used to go out with 
his boys and an occasional school or college 
friend of theirs, with much content. 

Gerard had returned the previous night 
from his Cumberland visit, and the girls, Alison 
and Audrey, were expected in a couple of 
days. 

Lord Heversham looked up from the Field ” 
as his son entered with a rather unwonted air of 
pre-occupation, and said, Are you disengaged. 


260 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Sir ? I should like a word or two with you, if we 
are not likely to be interrupted.” 

“Why, of course,” said Lord Heversham, 
surprised, and turning half round to look at him. 

Gerard, usually so calm, appeared for once 
to be rather flurried. He struck a match to 
light his cigarette, and blew it out instantly. 
He struck another, which broke in half, then 
a third which refused to light. He dropped 
the box with an impatient exclamation, and 
taking up an ivory paper-knife, began to bend 
it as far as it would go. Then looking up 
with a start to find his father’s amused eyes 
on him, he laid it down, and began to finger 
the ornaments on the mantelshelf, still without 
speaking. 

“ If I didn’t know you as well as I do, my 
boy,” said Lord Heversham, “I should suspect 
you of a desire to confess a crime.” 

“Well, it isn’t exactly that,” said Gerard, 
with a forced effort after his usual light manner. 
“ But your intuition is correct. I have a con- 
fession to make to you, and I don’t think you’ll 
quite like it.” 

Lord Heversham looked a little anxious. 
“ Well,” he said, “there are usually two things 
only that a young man wants to confess about. 


A CONFESSION 


261 


I know the first is out of your line, so I suppose 
it’s the old story, ‘ cherchez la femme.’ ” 

Exactly,” said Gerard, this time succeeding 
in lighting a cigarette, and smoking rather 
rapidly. The fact is, father, I’ve gone and 
fallen in love.” 

Oh, well, you’ll get over it,” said Lord 
Heversham, consolingly. “ These attacks are 
not usually fatal at one-and-twenty. Who is 
the lady?” 

Father,” said Gerard, you mustn’t chaff 
me about it. I’ve known it a long time, but 
I gave it a fair trial, to make sure. And now 
I’m quite sure.” 

Is it that pretty Miss Adair ? ” said his 
father, or one of those nice grand-daughters 
of peppery old Stuart’s?” 

No,” said Gerard, none of those. I know 
you’ll be surprised, father, but the fact is, — 
it’s Miss Audrey Denver.” 

‘‘What!'' said Lord Heversham. Audrey 
Denver ! That child ! Why, Gerard, she’s 
hardly out of the nursery.” 

“ I know,” said Gerard. It^s a great pity 
she wasn’t born a bit sooner. But there it is.” 

Why — why — why — ” said his father, stam- 
mering in his surprise. I never heard such 


262 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


nonsense. You to fall in love with a little 
girl in pinafores. Gerard, I thought you had 
more sense. Not but what she’s a dear little 
girl, and uncommonly plucky. We shall never 
forget what we owe her. But to marry her. 
The thing’s out of the question.” 

I was afraid you’d take it that way,” said 
Gerard. But I hope you will agree to it. 
There’s nobody else in the world for me. 
Though, ’pon my word,” he added with a touch 
of humour, “ I can’t imagine why it should be 
so. I’ve tried hard enough, but the thing’s 
too strong for me, it is indeed.” 

But, my dear fellow,” said his father, 
think of the connection. Her family and 
all that. Can you face such relations?” 

They were a strong argument for the 
Opposition,” admitted Gerard sadly. “ But the 
thing goes on. I can’t think of anybody else. 
I know she’s young, inexperienced, immature, 
if you like. But you know how fond Mother 
and the girls are of her. You know yourself 
how much you like her. We all begin young, 
you know. There’s more sense and character 
in that child than in fifty modern young ladies. 
She’ll be a noble woman. Father, don’t refuse 
me your consent. I’ve never asked you any- 


A CONFESSION 


263 


thing before, and my whole life’s happiness 
depends on this.” 

Lord Heversham regarded the end of his 
cigar with profound attention. It was quite 
true, he thought. Here was his son, his eldest 
and most beloved child, asking him for the 
first favour he had ever desired of him, and 
asking him with a depth of earnestness in his 
young voice, that spoke for itself. 

Gerard had always been such a thoroughly 
satisfactory boy. Clever, hard-working, con- 
scientious, a loving and loyal son and brother, 
clear-headed and high-principled. 

He had never been in serious debt, got into 
discreditable scrapes, or made undesirable friends. 
Without being in any sense a prig, or a pedant, 
his father knew how much deep feeling and 
sound judgment lay behind his cheerful flippant 
manner. 

And here was this boy, heir to his name and 
estates, the future head of one of the noblest 
families in England, wanting to marry a little 
girl out of Brixton, with no connections, no 
traditions, no advantages. Her vulgar relations 
would overrun the house, and make acquaintance 
with his carefully guarded girls. 

Oh, the thing could not be contemplated. 


264 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Gerard must marry into some family of like 
history to his own, of lofty lineage, and dis- 
tinguished public service. His children must 
not be ashamed of their maternal relations. 

Granted that Audrey herself was astonishingly 
superior to her people, the taint remained, and 
might crop up anywhere. 

He looked up. Gerard had let his cigarette 
out, and was sitting with it loosely held in his 
fingers, one knee crossed over the other, gazing 
out of the window with a yearning look in the 
keen true eyes. 

It touched his father’s heart. How could he 
refuse him. But how could he allow it ? He 
resolved to temporise. Gerard,” he said gently, 
this is a great surprise, and you must forgive 
me if I add, disappointment to me. I had 
naturally hoped for something better for you. 
It is the first time a Dorincourt has married — 
well, I won’t say beneath him, — but not to that 
equality of rank which goes far to make a 
happy marriage in our class.” 

Gerard nodded gravely. 

‘^Also,” his father continued, ^Hhe young 
lady is so very young. There has hardly been 
time yet for her to develop her character. Some- 
thing of it we know. We know she has personal 


A CONFESSION 


265 


courage and readiness of resource. She is 
unselfish and sweet tempered, and has had a 
good education, besides showing a natural refine- 
ment which is surprising with her birth and 
position. But you must see yourself, all this is 
hardly enough. I will not withhold my consent 
absolutely. In fact I have of course no legal 
right to do so.” 

Gerard made a movement to speak, but 
checked himself, and Lord Heversham smiled 
and went on. But I think it is not unreason- 
able to ask you to wait for at least a year before 
taking any definite steps. Miss Denver is 
seventeen. You are only just of age. A 
year’s probation will be wise in every way, and 
I feel sure your own good sense will agree 
to that.” 

Gerard sighed as he throw the ill-used cigarette 
into the empty fireplace. 

It’s all very well to talk of good sense, but 
a man’s feelings aren’t always guided by that. 
A year’s a precious long time. Dad.” 

It will pass,” said his father. And I think 
that as you have done me the honour of consult- 
ing me you will be willing to abide by my wishes. 
Wait a year, go abroad, travel, shoot, see some- 
thing of the world, leave the young lady free 


266 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


to know her own mind, and when you return, 
come and see me again. If, in the interval, your 
feelings have changed, nobody need ever know 
what has passed between us, and if they remain 
the same, well, we can discuss the matter again. 
I will put no obstacles in your way, if your heart 
is still set upon this marriage. 

^^But, mind, you are not to speak to Miss 
Denver before you go. You have not already 
done so, I presume?” he added, in a different 
tone. 

^^No,” said Gerard, rather heavily, have 
not. She is so unconscious that I never get an 
opportunity. But in any case I should have 
felt it right to consult you first.” 

That’s right,” said Lord Heversham. ^^Now, 
my dear boy, it’s time to dress for dinner. We’ll 
talk over your travels afterwards. A year’s tour 
is no such great penalty. And you can have 
some big game shooting. I should recommend 
you to start at once to see about your outfit. 
We will take care of Miss Denver, never fear.” 

Gerard rose, and with the light gone out of 
his face, turned to leave the room. But his 
heart smote him as he saw his father’s sad look, 
and he said impulsively, I’m awfully sorry. 
Sir, to disappoint you in this matter. But I’m 


A CONFESSION 


267 


perfectly sure you’ll confess that I’ve made no 
mistake. If Miss Denver does me the honour 
to accept me, you will never have any reason 
to regret such a connection, vulgar cousins and 
all,” he ended more lightly. And I agree I’d 
better be off. I can’t be quite sure of myself 
when she is here with us all again.” 

The two men shook hands and parted. Gerard, 
relieved that the sentence was not final, but 
looking forward to his year’s banishment with 
small anticipations of pleasure, and his father 
feeling that pang of heartache which must come 
to all parents when the children begin to find 
their happiness apart from them. 

Lord Heversham went to the window and 
looked out, and as he drew the heavy curtain 
aside, he suddenly discovered little Roger, curled 
up in the deep window seat, his head back 
against the wall, fast asleep, his book slipping 
off his knee. 

He woke with a start, and blushed crimson 
at his father’s grave face. 

^^How long have you been here, Roger?” 

‘‘ Ever since tea. Father. Oughtn’t I to come? 
There was nowhere else quiet.” 

^^Have you been listening to what we were 
saying ? ” 


268 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Roger lifted candid eyes. I heard Gigs and 
you talking at first, but I fink I went to sleep 
pretty soon.” 

Lord Heversham hesitated a moment, as to 
whether to caution the child. But thinking it 
would only fix it in his memory, he refrained, 
trusting to the heedlessness of eight years old 
to obliterate the remembrance of anything he had 
heard ; if he had heard anything important, he 
decided to leave it alone. Certainly Roger’s 
innocent face spoke for him, and his father 
dismissed him with a pat on the curly head, 
saying only, Bodge, remember that if gentle- 
men overhear anything accidentally, they don’t 
repeat it, any more than if it was told to them 
direct.” 

To which Roger replied dutifully, Yes, 
Father, I quite understand,” and ran away. 


CHAPTER XXV 


BANISHMENT 

“And sighed my English breath in foreign lands, 

Eating the bitter bread of banishment.” 

Shakespeare. 

W HEN Alison and Audrey arrived at Glentulloch, 
they were told that Gerard was in London, pur- 
chasing his outfit for a year’s tour round the world. 

Alison lamented and grumbled at the spoiling 
of their holidays, and the general flatness of 
things without the beloved Gigs to keep them 
going, but Marjorie, who felt it the most, took 
a cheery view. 

Just think of all the jolly things he’ll bring 
us back,” she said. He’s going to Canada and 
Japan and China and everywhere, besides all the 
skins and heads he’ll get shooting.” 

^^One can buy all those Eastern curios and 
things in the Oriental department of the Stores 
at eightpence three farthings each, just as 
good,” complained Ahson. 

269 


270 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Unsentimental female/' said Dick, who would 
have given his head to go too. Just think of 
the associations and all that sort of thing.” 

^^All very well for Gigs,” she said. ^^But I 
would just as soon have a sandal-wood stamp 
box from Gorringe’s bazaar, and have kept him 
at home these holidays.” 

Father thought he had better go off at 
once,” said Marjorie, as Lord Lenthall and 
Mr. Mackenzie were starting next week, and 
they could go a long way together, as far as 
British Columbia anyhow.” 

“ If he could have waited till Audrey and I 
went to Paris, he might have gone as far as 
Dieppe or Calais with us, which I am sure 
he would have liked just as much,” argued 
Alison. 

Marjorie laughed. She may have had some 
inkling of affairs, but she kept her own counsel, 
as a good sister should. But she glanced across 
at Audrey, who had not joined in the discussion, 
with a kind look in her bright eyes. 

The girls had not long arrived and had not 
taken off their outdoor things when Dick had 
sprung the news upon them. 

Audrey was standing by the window, tall and 
slight in her neat brown coat and skirt, slowly 


BANISHMENT 


271 


pulling off her gloves and straightening each 
finger with punctilious care. The animation 
with which she had entered had died out of her 
face, and she gazed across at the blue mountains 
with a rather pathetic droop at the corners of 
her mouth, but without saying anything. 

Lady Heversham was officiating at the tea 
table, which was for once laid indoors, in con- 
sideration of a sharp shower that had just fallen, 
and she too glanced up at Audrey. 

But Dick created a diversion by observing, 
Of course it’s pretty beastly without old Gerard, 
but we shall have another spare room, and we’ll 
have some jolly fellows up to carry the lunch 
baskets, and fall in love with Marge.” 

Marjorie was so accustomed to this sort of 
speech that she didn’t turn a hair,” and slip- 
ping her arm through Audrey’s, woke her from 
her abstraction by some playful remark about 
introducing her to some real Scotch baps.” 

Audrey roused herself, and going over to 
Lady Heversham, sat down beside her, and 
answered her questions about the journey in her 
usual quiet manner, but without the touch of 
dry humour that was habitual to her. 

Lady Heversham felt a little uneasy. Poor 
child,” she thought, do trust it isn’t that 


272 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I am thankful this journey has been decided 
upon in time.’' 

For mothers have intuitions as well as sisters, 
even if they are not in possession of facts. 

Audrey was soon overwhelmed with a cascade 
of children, who entered in a disorderly mob 
and captured her, and as she laughed and talked 
with the rabbits and Roger, the depression 
seemed to pass away, and she asked questions 
and ate baps ” in a normal manner. 

Oh, by the way. Mother darling,” said Alison, 
Captain Adair’s coming up a day sooner if it’s 
all the same to you. I heard from Lilian that 
he was up north and it fitted him better, so I 
told her I was sure it would be all right.” 

This time Lady Heversham glanced at Mar- 
jorie, who with a rather heightened colour was 
spreading butter on a scone for Roger, and sighed 
a small sigh, thinking how quickly girls grew up. 
But she answered Alison cheerfully, Oh dear, 
yes, there’s plenty of room. Isn’t there any- 
body else you’d like to have ? ” 

Why not old Framlingham ? ’ ’ suggested Dick. 
I rather like him. He tipped me a fiver last 
holidays. A jolly decent old chap. Hullo, 
Marge, what’s the matter ? ” 

Lady Heversham looked amused. I don’t 


BANISHMENT 


273 


think the shooting’s good enough for Lord Fram- 
lingham,” she said ; I mean somebody younger 
to play with you and the girls.” 

^^Oh, of course/’ said Dick acutely, if Marjorie 
has given him the boot, we must try another.” 

^^Dick,” said his mother, rather gravely, 
^^give Audrey some cake. You must be host 
now, you know, instead of Gerard.” 

Dick heard the little reproof in her tone, and 
meekly did as he was told, without any more 
embarrassing remarks. 

Then Lord Heversham came in, in his rough 
shooting clothes, and sat down next to Audrey. 
He was so gentle to her and so evidently pleased 
to see her, that her heart warmed to him, and 
she felt again what dear delightful friends they 
were. 

They were a very cheerful party at tea. 
Exigencies of space forbade the existence of a 
schoolroom, so the whole party took their meals 
together, and though the three younger ones 
had a separate table, with the orthodox plates 
of thick bread and butter and jam, it was 
generally found so difficult to prevent the 
elders from sharing in the more satisfying if 
less refined viands, that the custom had become 
a distinction without a difference. 


274 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


The rabbits were growing into tall slips of 
girls, with their fair manes tied decorously back 
during the day, though they were still brushed 
into loose silky waves in the evening. 

Roger was to go to school next term, as he 
was nearly nine years old. 

They had already spent a week at Glen- 
tulloch, and were busy describing to Audrey 
their various pursuits and haunts, while Alison 
asked interested questions. ^^Is the wood hut 
still standing? And has the Virginia creeper 
grown we planted over it ? ’' she said. 

“ Rather,” said Roger. The rain comes in 
a bit at the corner of the roof, but the forester 
is going to mend it, and the heather is growing 
first rate all over it. The Virginia creeper has 
nearly covered up the window, but Mother hasn’t 
brought up her garden clippers, and Nanna won’t 
lend us the nursery scissors.” 

I should think not,” said Alison. I’ll come 
along tomorrow with Dick’s best knife.” 

Thanks awfully,” said Dick. 

What is the wood hut? ” asked Audrey. 

She was answered by all the children at once, 
how Gerard had made a dear little house in 
the larch plantation, for a birthday present to 
Pat last year, and how they had planted a 


BANISHMENT 


275 


garden round it themselves, and Dick had made 
a table and benches, and how they had tea there 
on fine days, and how Marjorie had suggested 
growing heather on the peat roof, and how that 
nobody could find it now, it looked so like the 
rest of the wood. 

Audrey felt rather drawn by the picture, and 
said so. The children promptly invited her to 
tea the next day if fine, and she as promptly 
accepted. 

But you’ll have to take an ’orrible oath, you 
know,” said Eoger. 

Dear me,” said Audrey, how do you do it ? ” 

You know we are all free foresters,” explained 
Pat, and nobody knows how to find the lodge, 
unless they have the secret. Gigs thought of 
that. It’s awful fun.” 

W e’ll nish — nishiate — what’s the word. 
Mother ? We’ll nishiate Audrey tomorrow.” 

^^Does it hurt much?” enquired the novice, 
in rather a trembling voice. 

You wait and see,” said Eoger sternly, but 
soft-hearted Honor explained in a whisper that 
it was only saying things like prayers, and didn’t 
hurt at all. 

Are there any wild raspberries left, or have 
you eaten them all ? ” enquired Alison. 


276 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Lots,” she was assured. Almost enough 
to make into jam, Nanna said. But they are 
our own raspberries, Father said, and we can 
have them all.” 

The sudden depression that had so unaccount- 
ably fallen upon Audrey had lifted, and she was 
as full of pleasure and plans as the children. 

Marjorie also seemed remarkably cheerful, and 
at last the party became so uproarious, that 
Lady Heversham proposed an adjournment out 
of doors, as the rain had ceased. 

Audrey exclaimed in delight at the sea of 
purple heather growing almost up to the door, 
and extending for miles, with here and there a 
few larches, or a group of birches, or a clump 
of mountain ash, breaking the monotony of line. 

They showed her the little burn, running 
clear brown from the peat, and the tiny tarn or 
loch, which received it in the hollow behind the 
house. The children had a flat-bottomed boat on 
the lake, but Marjorie vetoed a water party, as it 
was all so wet. 

Roger’s face fell at this, but Marjorie reminded 
him that there were five more happy weeks to 
come and many more opportunities. 

The twilight was beginning to close in, as the 
August evenings are not very long in the north, 


BANISHMENT 


277 


and they all returned to the house, to play pool 
and pyramids until it was time to dress for 
dinner. 

Poor Gerard, yawning in his stall in a London 
theatre, thought with longing of the happy family 
group from which he was banished, and pictured 
with tolerable accuracy their employments. His 
neighbour, in ecstasies of mirth over the latest 
farce, remarked his inattention, and remarked to 
his friend that the Johnnie next him looked as if 
it was a funeral, and he thought the manage- 
ment ought to keep chaps out who couldn’t 
look pleasant about it. 

London being empty, Gerard found the next 
few days, while he was collecting his outfit, 
intolerably dull, and divided his spare time 
between an arm-chair in a strange club, his own 
being closed for repair, and a green chair in 
the dusty Park, where he sat and regarded the 
habits and customs of more seasoned Cockneys, 
with what he would have himself described as 
a lack-lustre eye. 

But his boat started on Saturday, and he 
found his friends, and left his native shores 
with few anticipations of either pleasure or 
profit to be gained by his travels. 


CHAPTER XXVI 

“A BOLT FEOM THE BLUE” 

“ Here are a few of the unpleasant’st words, 

That ever blotted paper.” 

Shakespeare. 

About two months later, at Dorincourt, Lord 
Heversham received a bulky package from 
Gerard, marked Private.” 

It was rather surprising, as the usual mail 
letter had also arrived, with the many varieties 
of stamps which Gerard always used, with a 
view to the rabbits' albums, and had been read 
aloud by Lady Heversham to the assembled 
family after breakfast. 

There were only the children to hear it, for 
Alison and Audrey were in Paris, and Marjorie 
away on a visit. 

So Lord Heversham took his parcel to the 
den, and opened it with some curiosity. 

He turned over the pages, noting they were 

278 


BOLT FROM THE BLUE’’ 279 


closely covered with Gerard’s rather straggly 
schoolboy handwriting. 

^^The old chap must be writing a book,” he 
thought, as he sat down to peruse it at his 
leisure. 

It was dated 


Andr^e’s Stopping House. 

Windermere, B.C. Oct. 18th, 19 — 

dear Father, 

I want you to choose your most com- 
fortable arm-chair, the leather one with the 
broken spring, in the den, will do, and light 
one of the Laranagas. I have a tale to unfold 
which will require a great deal of patience on 
your part, and will I fear give you a most 
remarkable shock. Don’t read it till you are 
alone. I really hardly know how on earth to 
tell you. 

I arrived at Calgary, in Alberta, with Lenthall, 
on the 10th, having dropped Mackenzie at 
Montreal, as we were told it was a convenient 
starting point for the mountains. 

Lenthall picked up a pal there, at table d’h&te, 
who gave us a great deal of information. 

He advised us to take pack-horses, and trail 
towards this place, or go by train to Banff, and 


280 


HEAETS AND CORONETS 


take the horses there. There is capital fishing — 
big, spotted trout — in the Kootenay river, and 
they are just beginning the spearing of salmon, 
which is good sport. The scenery in this part 
is very fine, so we settled to start from there, 
and not use the railway. It was about five days’ 
journey, but I have told Mother all about it in 
her letter. 

He told us of this stopping-place, and said the 
proprietor, a half-breed, was a decent chap, and 
would make us comfortable. 

He remembered being here himself once, about 
eighteen years ago, after bear, in July, and that 
a curious thing had happened, which had fixed 
the date in his memory. 

He and a friend, one Fraser, had arrived late 
one evening at this out of the way place, where 
probably no Englishmen had ever been, and had 
been told they must share a room, as another 
white man had the other. He had been brought 
in badly hurt by the fall of some rocks, and was 
apparently dying. 

By the way, I haven’t told you my informant’s 
name. It was Jim Cuninghame. Do you 
remember it ? ” 

Lord Heversham started, and rubbed his chin. 
Yes, he did remember the name. 


BOLT FROM THE BLUE” 281 


He’s a good fellow, but a bit rough and 
colonial. He has got a ranch here, and hasn’t 
been back to England for twenty years, not since 
this affair happened. 

It turned out that the sick man was a stranger 
and an Englishman. An Indian who had guided 
him from Calgary had brought the news of the 
accident, and Andr^e had sent out and brought 
him in. He was prospecting for minerals, and 
was alone except for the guide. He was quite 
unconscious when found, and had not spoken 
sensibly since, though he was delirious, and 
wandered a good deal. 

Andrfe had doctored him in a rough and 
ready fashion, and had set his right arm, which 
was broken, but he was evidently hurt internally 
as well, and though an Indian had been sent 
to Golden for the nearest doctor, it was a matter 
of eighty miles, and the man did not seem likely 
to live till he got back. 

Cuninghame, a kindhearted chap, said he 
would sit up with him, as the innkeeper had 
had two nights up, and there were only Indian 
women there. 

The poor fellow raved and shouted a good 
deal, and was inclined to be violent, but he 
quieted down towards morning, and slept a little. 


282 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Cuninghame said he was dozing himself, when 
he was waked by the sick man’s speaking quite 
clearly and rationally. 

He asked where he was, and how he got there, 
and then said he thought he must be dying. 

Cuninghame said he was afraid he was, and 
asked if he could take any messages or anything 
for him. 

He couldn’t write with his broken arm, but 
he dictated to Cuninghame a message — of course 
you know all about it now — to the Countess 
of Heversham, a sort of confession, saying that 
he was dying, and expressing bitter remorse for 
some crime he had committed. He signed it 
with his left hand, ^ Hugh Alured Dorincourt,’ 
and gave the address. Then he was going on to 
say some more, but the exertion was too much 
for him, and he collapsed and died, before 
Cuninghame could get help.” 

‘^Curious,” said Lord Heversham to himself. 

Odd that Gerard should come across poor 
Uncle Hugh’s tracks. Of course I remember 
the name of the man who wrote to my mother, 
James Cuninghame. How puzzled we were to 
know what crime poor Hugh had committed, to 
drive him away like that, till the old butler told 
us of the violent quarrel he and Uncle Hever- 


BOLT FROM THE BLUE” 283 


sham had had. Poor fellow, he paid dearly for 
that hasty blow. But what can all the rest of 
this be about ? ” 

And he lit a fresh cigar, and turned over the 
next leaf. 

Of course,” Gerard continued, all this is old 
history to you. But now comes the extraordinary 
part. 

The innkeeper, Andree, has lived here ever 
since. He remembered Cuninghame, and got 
talking over the business with him, and when he 
heard that I was of the same family, he said 
there was a curious circumstance that had 
happened a few months afterwards. 

He had heard the dead man’s name, and that 
he belonged to a Hitled family’ in England. 
They had buried him all proper he said, and 
Mr. Cuninghame had written out the name 
for the gravestone, or rather for the slab of 
pinewood which they had put up, till the money 
came out from England for a proper one, which 
it did later, from the Countess of Heversham. 

He said he’d show me the grave next day. 
Well, about six months after, he had occasion to 
go into Calgary on business, and went, as it 
happened, to the hotel where we had stayed. He 
knew the innkeeper there, and they got talking 


284 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


together. The Calgary innkeeper, a white man, 
an American, told him that a man called Denver 
had left him in July, to go prospecting for gold 
in the Crow’s Nest Pass via Fort Steel, and that 
his guide had come back alone, saying he had 
met with an accident, and been killed by a fall 
of rocks. The guide said he had got help from the 
nearest stopping-place near Lake Windermere, 
but as he couldn’t afford to be out of a job, he 
had only waited to hear of his death, and had 
made tracks back to Calgary, where he could get 
another engagement. 

So when the , Calgary man got a. letter from 
a Mrs. Denver, from Macleod, enquiring after her 
husband, he had told her all he knew, and had 
sent her back the belongings that her husband 
had left with him, his gripsack, which was 
labelled Hugh Denver, and his clothes. 

He thought she might turn up, but she didn’t, 
and he soon forgot the matter. 

Andr^e said, on comparing dates, it was sure 
to be the same man who had died at his place, 
but that he had given a different name there, 
and the two men naturally enough assumed that 
he had his reasons for so doing. 

The Calgary man had of course lost all trace 
of Mrs. Denver, and there was no railway to 


“K BOLT FROM THE BLUE” 285 


Macleod in those days ; and said besides it was 
no business of his, which I suppose it wasn't. 

An dree said that he had kept the poor chap’s 
things, but that he hadn’t brought much more 
than he stood up in, and that there wasn’t any- 
thing to show me after all these years. Besides, 
the letter home is proof enough that it was Uncle 
Hugh. He was probably going on to tell about 
his marriage, when he died. 

I cross -questioned our friend till he was blue 
in the face, but he stuck to his story. Now, 
what do you make of it ? The coincidence of 
names is aurious, to say the least, and didn’t 
Audrey say that her father had died somewhere 
in America, before she was born, and that her 
mother had brought her home? 

You see what it means, if it is as I think. 

I shall go straight back to Calgary, and inter- 
view the man there. I shall save a bit of time 
by going through the Kootenay valley to Banff, 
where I can get the C. P. R. to Calgary, but 
it will take three or four days, and a letter from 
there won’t reach England for another ten. I 
shall get the name and address, if possible, of 
the Indian guide, who is really the connecting 
link, and get some particulars out of the Calgary 
man, as to where Mrs. Denver wrote to him from. 


286 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


And when I have got everything possible, I will 
come home. 

I can hardly contemplate the consequences of 
this discovery for you and dear Mother. As for 
me, I can work as well as most fellows, and it 
doesn’t matter. But it will come very hard on 
you and the girls and all. But it does look queer. 

I got the old chap, Andr^e I mean, to dictate 
his statement and sign it, and Cuninghame and I 
witnessed it. So I enclose it for you to deal with. 

Of course I’ll come back as soon as I can. I 
can’t leave you to struggle with this alone. 

If it goes, as I fear it must, I must try and 
get a job abroad. No doubt matters can be 
arranged pretty well for you, but you know how 
it is with me. I must clear out. 

Though it’s a pretty ghastly affair for us all, I 
can’t but smile when I think how knocked all of 
a heap the new Lady Heversham will be. To 
think of it. What a weird world we live in. 
That it should be Audrey^ of all people. Talk 
of the irony of fate. Was there ever such a 
tangle ? But I must of course get out of the 
way. The boot is on the other leg now, isn’t it. 
Father ? 

Yours distractedly. 


Gerard.” 


CHAPTER XXVII 
CONSULTATION 

“ Do not consider what you may do, but what it will 
become you to have done, and let the sense of honour 
subdue your mind.” 

Claudianus. 

Lokd Heversham sat still for a long time 
after he had finished Gerard’s letter. 

His thin brown hand caressed his chin 
mechanically, and he looked straight out of the 
window at the fair prospect before him. 

The sun was setting behind the western woods, 
tipping the branches, which were just beginning 
to turn, with a brighter gold. The green sward 
of the park stretching for many acres, unbroken 
by fence or hedge, was clothed here and there 
with tracts of yellowing bracken, above which 
could be seen the horns of the dappled deer 
crouching under the spreading oaks. The gleam 
of the lake could be seen between the thinning 
287 


288 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


foliage of the woods, shading in russet and 
crimson tints into the purple distance. 

A goodly heritage indeed. And it was not 
his. It had never been his. Though every tree 
and stone on the place was dear to him, he must 
leave them. His thoughts were all for Gerard, 
and his wife. Poor dear old boy,” he thought, 
what a blow for him. What a fine head of the 
family he would have made. He would never 
have been content to sink into obscurity and 
become a ^ backwoodsman.' His position would 
only have been a stepping-stone, never a resting 
place. He would have used his intellect, his 
means, and his rank all for the State. He would 
have been a power for good.” 

The idea of contesting the claim never entered 
his mind any more than it had his son’s. Right 
was right, and if his uncle Hugh had left a child 
born in wedlock, that child was the rightful 
owner, and he and his only interlopers. 

It is hard on the wife,” he thought. She 
will feel leaving her poor people, and all her 
home work. But after all we shall not be 
paupers. There is still Glentulloch, and we 
might get into Rossdean Manor. The lease 
must be nearly falling in. That doesn’t go with 
the title. The children will feel it a come-down. 


CONSULTATION 


289 


poor little souls. But it might be worse. Lucky 
we know the little lady, and that she is such a 
good sort. Poor child, as Gerard says, I believe 
the shock will be worse for her than anyone. I 
suppose the estate must be put in trust until she 
comes of age. I hardly expect she will insist on 
my making up for past disbursements, though I 
presume she could, legally. 

In that case we should be rather put to it. I 
must rub up my law, and consult old Henshaw 
as to our position. Upon my word, it is a bit of 
a shock, as Gerard says.” 

At this moment Pat put her head round the 
edge of the door and said, Dad, Mother wants 
you to come and help her decide about the new 
rose garden. Mr. Saul is here, and she wants 
you to talk to him.” 

Lord Heversham pushed back his chair and 
stood up. All right. Bunny, I’ll come,” he said. 

I have something to put away first. Run and 
tell Mother not to decide on anything till she’s 
seen me.” 

That evening Lord and Lady Heversham had 
a long and earnest conversation when the young 
people had been packed off to bed. 

Lady Heversham took it quietly, as she took 
everything. Her first thought, as her husband’s 
u 


290 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


had been, was for poor Gerard, but she was not 
so downhearted on bis account as her husband, 
for she couldn’t help hoping there was a way out, 
which to his ideas was hopelessly barred by 
circumstances. 

Shall we be very poor ? ” she asked. 

“ Oh, no,” he replied. As a matter of fact, 
in the way of spending we shall not feel much 
worse off. This place takes all the rents for 
wages and upkeep, and the mining royalties go 
in improvements, or are capitalised. There’s a 
good bit of capital more than when I succeeded, 
and the new Lady Heversham won’t find I’ve 
let the property down,” he added, with a sad 
whimsical smile. 

That child ! ” said Lady Heversham. How 
odd it all is. Of course that accounts for the 
family likeness and everything. By the way, I 
suppose her father’s marrying under a false name 
won’t affect her position.” 

I fancy not,” he said, “ as long as the wife 
was not accessory to the fact. It only gives a 
little more trouble to the lawyers. But Gerard 
will find it all out, and bring back the proofs. I 
suppose she will have to bring a friendly suit, 
and, as we shall not contest it, of course it should 
be settled easily.” 


CONSULTATION 


291 


Dick won’t like it,” said Lady Heversham. 

But if he goes in for the army it will not really 
make much difference to him, and may make 
him work harder. It is only Gerard. The 
children will hardly take it in, and as for 
Marjorie I really believe she will prefer it. It 
will seem odd to become plain Mr. and Mrs. 
Dorincourt again, after all these years. It will 
be like our honeymoon over again, dear,” 
and she stooped and kissed her husband just 
where his dark hair was beginning to whiten 
over the temples. 

His answer was not in words, but it was 
quite satisfactory to her, and they sat for a 
space in silence, hand in hand, feeling how 
little worldly circumstances could matter, as 
long as they were together, and lovers still. 

Presently, however, she rose, and releasing 
his hand with a caressing touch, went to the 
writing table, saying, I feel I can’t sleep till 
I have written to Gerard. I can just catch 
the mail tomorrow, if I send in early. My 
other letter has gone.” 

Do,” he said. I have written, but tell 
him I think we will not tell her new lady- 
ship until he gets back with all the papers. 
There might possibly be a slip yet, and it 


292 HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


would never do to disturb her mind, if it 
came to nothing. We must go on as usual, 
and I’ll have a confidential talk with Hen- 
shaw.” 

Quite so,” she agreed. Besides, she and 
Alison are so happy, and getting on so well 
with their French, by all accounts, we had 
much better leave them alone for the present. 
I wonder when Gerard will get back.” 

In time for Christmas, I should think,” 
said his father. I imagine we may trespass 
on Lady Heversham’s hospitality to that extent, 
eh ! Mrs. Dorincourt ? ” 

And it will be nice to have one more 
Christmas all together here,” she said, with a 
little pang. I am not sure it will not be a 
great relief to have a smaller establishment, 
and less organisation to do. Rossdean is a 
nice little place. I always liked that sunny 
morning room. And if we can afford it we 
will build out that verandah we used to talk 
about.” 

^^Oh, we can afford it all right,” said her 
husband cheerily. The difference between 
twenty thousand a year and five isn’t so great 
as people think, when the property costs you 
fifteen thousand a year to keep up.” 


CONSULTATION 


293 


But for all his cheerful words his heart was 
sore for his home and hers for her children, 
though they kept each other’s spirits up, and 
in so doing lessened their own regrets. 

The old lawyer came down at once, and 
agreed that it was much better to leave the 
whole matter in abeyance for the present. 

Lord Windlesham, as I must still call him,” 
he said, has the best head for business I have 
ever met on so young a pair of shoulders. 
Of course, he knows the important things are 
to prove the marriage, and the identity of 
Hugh Dorincourt with Hugh Denver, and it 
isn’t so long ago that it ought to be difficult. 
I daresay Miss Denver herself, or her maternal 
uncle, may have some old photos or letters 
which may help us. 

^^It is some satisfaction to know that it is 
not to go, if go it must, to some stranger, but 
to so charming and well brought up a young 
lady, and one moreover who has had the 
privilege of your intimate friendship for so 
long.” 

‘^Yes indeed,” said Lady Heversham, ^^and 
you most not forget that we are under a heavy 
debt of gratitude to her as well, which I feel 
we can hardly ever repay.” 


294 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Oh, there’s not much question of repay- 
ment/’ said the old lawyer with a smile. “I 
suppose, my lord, there could be no other 
method of repairing the breach — of keeping 
the younger branch of the family still in 
possession.” 

He spoke in an enquiring voice, looking at 
Lord Heversham with the privileged curiosity 
of the old family friend. 

Lord Heversham rose and paced the room, 
his brows drawn together. No,” he said 
firmly. Desirable as it might appear to be, 
it is impossible for us to consider the possi- 
bility of any such arrangement, now.” 

The lawyer pursed his lips. ^^A pity to be 
too quixotic, my lord,” he said. Where there 
is so much at stake, it might the judicious to 
pocket a few scruples.” 

I am sorry,” Lord Heversham answered 
rather shortly. It is a subject that I prefer 
not to discuss, Henshaw. Shall we go into 
the question of the Rossdean lease?” 

Mr. Henshaw looked at Lady Heversham, 
but she worked steadily at the silk tie she was 
knitting for Dick and would not meet his eye. 

Nevertheless the old lawyer, a shrewd judge 
of men and women, knew that she was on his 


CONSULTATION 


295 


side, and smiled to himself, feeling that his 
case was in good hands. 

He untied a bundle of papers, and changed 
the subject as desired. 

^^Why not?” Gerard’s mother was thinking 
to herself. Why did Alured say ^ now ’ in 
that marked way. I wonder if Gerard said 
anything before he went away. I am quite sure 
there was an attraction. Marjorie noticed it 
too. What an obvious solution it would be. 
Gerard would lose nothing but the title, and — 
after him — ” and the mother’s heart built a 
bright castle in the air for her eldest and best 
beloved child, as she listened to the droning 
voice of Mr. Henshaw reading aloud, and her 
husband’s occasional questions or interpolations. 

“ What a pity he didn’t tell her before,” she 
thought. Of course I see Alured’s point. He 
couldn’t ask her now. But if he had said any- 
thing, that could surely be got over, if she 
cared for him. And how could any girl help 
loving my Gerard ? 

Ah, well, it is all in higher hands than ours. 
I won’t fret over it. If it is for the best it will 
happen. Only I mustnT let Alured worry. I 
don’t think he would have spoken in that positive 
way, if he didn’t know something.” 


296 HEAETS AND CORONETS 


And Lady Heversham folded her knitting 
carefully, put it in her workbag, and remarking 
that it was time for tea, departed, leaving the 
two men to follow when they had concluded 
their business. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 

“ DOCUMENTAKY EVIDENCE ” 

“ Confirmation strong, as proofs of Holy Writ.” 

Shakespeare. 

As Lord Heversham had expected^ there was 
not much difficulty in finding the necessary 
proofs of Audrey’s birth and parentage. 

Gerard wrote in another fortnight that he 
had been able to trace and interview the guide, 
now settled down as the proprietor of a small 
drinking saloon in Calgary. He had even been 
able to produce a written agreement signed by 
Hugh Denver, promising to pay him certain sums 
in return for his assistance in that prospecting 
tour which had ended so tragically, and his 
narrative of the events concurred in every 
particular with that of the innkeeper. The 
man had succumbed to the temptations of his 
trade, and the time had to be selected for the 
interview, but when sober he was a reliable 
297 


298 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


witness^ and the agreement was a sufficient 
proof of the identity of the two Hughs. 

Then Gerard had found an even more valuable 
witness, in the widow of the settler to whose 
house, near Macleod, Hugh Denver had brought 
his bride, and where he had left her, barely three 
months after their marriage, to go on his last 
expedition. 

She was a superior, well-educated woman, and 
drew up a very clear statement of the facts. The 
substance of it was, that Hugh Denver had 
been a friend of her husband’s, whom he had 
known for about ten years. He was a grave, 
sad sort of man, about fifty, dark complexioned 
and thin. Not very unlike Gerard himself might 
be in twenty years time, she said. He lived 
alone among the Indians as a rule, but he some- 
times came and visited the Johnsons. They had 
always suspected some sad secret in his life, 
but he had never spoken of it to them. It 
had been a great surprise to them, when one 
day he arrived bringing a wife with him. She 
was quite young, not more than two and twenty. 
She was a frightened, down-trodden looking 
young thing, fair and pale. She seemed shy 
and strange at first with her husband. 

She used to help Mrs. Johnson with the work. 


« DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE ” 299 


as of course they kept no servants. She became 
very intimate with her, and told her how she 
had come out from England in answer to an 
advertisement, as nursery governess, but that 
she had found herself quite deceived, and had 
been very unhappy. She said she had been 
treated just like a servant, and that the master 
drank and was often very violent, and his wife 
was nearly as bad. She couldn’t get paid her 
salary and dared not leave, as she had no friends 
and no money. Then she had met Hugh Denver, 
who had pitied her and helped her. So when 
he asked her to marry him, she had thankfully 
accepted, though he was so much older, and she 
said that he had been a very good husband to her. 

Then he had gone away, promising to return 
in six months. But he never came back, and the 
baby was born, about seven months after. He 
had left some money invested, and she was able 
to go on paying the Johnsons, and indeed Mrs. 
Johnson was thankful to have her company. 

The baby was a sweet little thing, with dark 
eyes and hair. ^‘Audrey” she called her; “Audrey 
Millicent.” 

Mrs. Johnson had stood godmother, and knew 
where Gerard could get all the registers, both of 
the marriage and baptism. 


300 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


She had even got a letter from Mrs. Denver, 
written after her return to England, which took 
place when little Audrey was three months old. 
She said she was living with her married sister, 
and gave the name Baxter but some other 
address, not Brixton. 

She had been very ill when the news of her 
husband’s death had reached her, and Mrs. John- 
son had hardly expected her to live out the 
journey, and had only had one letter from her. 

^^With all this evidence,” Gerard continued, 
“there should be no difficulty in establishing 
the identity, and most probably Audrey will have 
more letters and things, which will put it beyond 
doubt.” 

Gerard added that he should catch the next 
possible boat, and hoped to be in England by the 
middle of December. 

There was a great jubilation among the chil- 
dren at this last piece of information, and Lady 
Heversham had to undergo a good deal of cross- 
questioning as to why Gigs had changed his plans 
and come home in four months instead of twelve. 

The children were wild to settle their usual 
Christmas festivities and give a ball, but she put 
them off with some difficulty, saying nothing could 
be settled till Gerard came home. 


DOCUMENT AEY EVIDENCE” 301 


Meanwhile Audrey, all unconscious of the im- 
pending catastrophe, had experienced a small and 
unpleasant shock on her own account. 

She received from her cousin Laura, by post, a 
copy of Modern Society,” with one paragraph 
heavily scored under in ink. It ran as follows : 

We hear on unimpeachable authority, that a 
matrimonial alliance is likely to take place be- 
tween the eldest son and heir of one of our best 
known and respected peers and the fair daughter 
of a distinguished K.C. Rumour has it that the 
acquaintance commenced under romantic auspices, 
the young people having lost their way together 
on a Cumberland mountain. The gentleman’s 
title and the lady’s name both begin with W., 
which we may hope is a happy augury.” 

Audrey dropped the little pink paper, as if it 
were an adder. Surely such vulgar tittle-tattle 
need not disturb her. But it clung, and stung, 
and she wondered why everything seemed once 
more to have become flat, stale, and unprofitable. 

Alison came in while she was reading the 
paragraph, and exclaimed, Where did you get 
that little rag from, Audrey? Madame wouldn’t 
be best pleased if she saw it, I know.” 

^‘It was sent me,” said Audrey. I don’t like 
it either. I’ll burn it when I get to the stove 


302 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


in the salon. You look very cheerful. I hope 
your post was a more interesting one.” 

Yes,” said Alison. “ I’ve had a capital bit 
of news. Gerard’s coming home for Christmas.” 

No,” cried Audrey, incredulously. Ithought 
he would not be back till next August. Why, 
he’ll miss all the shooting.” 

expect he got sick of it,” said Alison. 

Though it isn’t like him to give things up. 
However, ^ east and west, hame is best,’ you 
know. There’s something about festivities in 
Pat’s letter, but she writes so badly I can’t 
read it.” 

Festivities,” said Audrey, and her heart, which 
had given a bound at Alison’s news, sank again. 
Surely this was confirmation of the paragraph. 

But why had he waited till he went away, 
she wondered. Perhaps he had written to 
Dorothy Wyndham, and had only just had 
her answer. Of course that must be it. Well, 
she would be a lucky girl. And she was a 
dear herself, Audrey thought loyally. A dear 
gentle, sweet-natured girl. Gerard would be 
very happy. She wondered if she ought to 
talk about it to Alison, who had evidently not 
heard anything. But her habit of silence held 
her, and Alison chattered merrily on : how they 


^^DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE” 303 


would have to have a proper ball, and that 
she and Audrey would both come out at it. 
What a jolly thing it was to have old Gigs 
turning up again. It would make all the 
difference to Christmas. 

I think I ought to stay with my uncle this 
Christmas,” said Audrey. He doesn’t sound 
quite the thing, and I think I ought to go 
there.” 

Oh, for goodness’ sake don’t begin to say 
you ought to,” exclaimed Alison in dismay. If 
you once get that bee in your bonnet, wild 
horses won’t drag it out.” 

Audrey laughed in spite of herself. You 
are a real old Mrs. Malaprop, Alison,” she said. 

But after all I am his niece, and I haven’t seen 
him for ages.” 

Only since August,” commented Alison. 
“ Now, don’t put on that determined look. You 
know it would break all our hearts, and Gerard’s 
too, and we simply must come out together. 
You know we must. Don’t talk nonsense. It’s 
time for dejeuner. Come on, or Madame will 
swear.” 

But Alison received unexpected support in 
her arguments in the shape of a letter from her 
mother, inviting Audrey to return to Dorincourt 


304 


HEAETS AND COEONETS 


with unusual formality. For they had all become 
so intimate that as a rule Audrey’s presence there 
was as much taken for granted as that of their 
own girls. 

Audrey, rather surprised, took it for a sort of 
courteous recognition of her grown-up status, and 
answered, accepting gratefully, but expressing a 
wish to go to stay with her uncle directly after 
Christmas. 

This request Lady Heversham read with a 
smile and a sigh, as she handed over the letter 
to her husband. 

When do they come back?” he enquired. 

On the 20th December, Alison says,” replied 
Lady Heversham, referring to her letter. 

Gerard gets back on the 21st,” said her 
husband. ^^We’d best get it over at once, 
hadn’t we ? ” 

Before Christmas? ” queried Lady Heversham, 
rather wistfully. 

I think as soon as the boy gets home with 
the papers, and we can get old Henshaw down,” 
said Lord Heversham. I daresay she won’t 
turn us out before Christmas, poor child.” 

^^She ought to have somebody to represent 
her,” said Lady Heversham. ^^Why not the 
uncle ? ” 


^^DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE” 305 

“ Good idea. WeTl ask him down,” was the 
reply. 

suppose he isn’t quite — quite ?” said 

Lady Heversham^ hesitating for an adjective. 

^^Oh, Adair says he’s a decent old fellow 
enough. A bit rough and dishevelled looking, 
but quite possible. We needn’t ask Master Alf 
down.” 

^^I’m afraid he’ll ask himself down, before 
long,” she said ruefully. 

Never mind,” he said comfortingly. There’s 
a certain amount of quiet dignity about our 
little supplanter, which will keep him in his 
place, if I’m not mistaken.” 

Yes, I’ve noticed that,” said Lady Heversham. 

It is really rather remarkable what good 
manners Audrey always has had. I was struck 
with them, the first time she came down.” 

Dear me, to think that snow storm should 
have turned us out of Dorincourt,” mused her 
husband, playing idly with the trifles on his 
wife’s treasure table. 

^^Well, it didn’t quite do that,” she said. ^^I 
suppose Gerard would have found out anyhow 
that poor Uncle Hugh had married and left a 
daughter, and you would have felt it your duty 
to hunt her up.” 


306 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^^Well, yes/’ he said, he had gone out 
there, and of course it would have been a lot 
more trouble and expense, and she would have 
been a stranger to us, without any of the ameli- 
orating influences of our sweet society,” he 
concluded, with a smile. 

And we should have lost Roger,” she breathed, 
and there was a little silence. 

« Why not ask the son down too ? ” said Lady 
Heversham, hospitably. ‘AVe shall only be our- 
selves, and we shall have to make his acquaintance 
now.” 

My dear,” he said, “ you have no idea what 
you are undertaking. I believe Clarkson will 
give me notice. Not that that would matter,” 
he said, checking himself. “ How one forgets. 
But Adair told me he was the worst sort of cad, 
the facetious sort. Besides, he’ll fall in love 
with Marjorie.” 

^^Best thing for him,” placidly replied his 
wife. All young men are the better for falling 
in love properly. Besides, Marjorie will probably 
never discover it.” 

^^Poor young man,” said Lord Heversham. 

There’s nobody so cruel as a mother, to any- 
body but her own. How would you like any one 
to talk about Gerard as you talk about Alf ? ” 


DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE ’’ 307 


Gerard/’ she said. of course 

that would be quite different/’ and catching 
the quizzical look in his eye, she laughed at 
herself. 

So Mr. Baxter and his son, to their perfect 
stupefaction, found an aristocratic looking en- 
velope, with a minute gold coronet on the flap, 
lying on the breakfast table, a day or two later. 

Who’s your pal?” Master Alf enquired, 
between mouthfuls of bacon. Who’s corre- 
sponding with you. Dad, all over stars and 
garters ? ” 

Patricia Heversham,” read Mr. Baxter slowly. 
‘^Patricia Heversham. She writes to ask us, 
you and me, to spend Christmas at — what’s the 
word — Dorincourt Castle.” 

Why, it’s Audrey’s swells,” exclaimed Alf. 
^•What on earth’s made them so civil all of a 
sudden ? Let’s see the letter. A very good sort 
of letter. I couldn’t have done it better myself. 
What’s this about papers or photographs ? 
What the spotted policeman are they up to? 
Audrey’s parents ! Have you any papers about 
Audrey’s parents. Dad ? ” 

I believe I have some,” said Mr. Baxter slowly. 

In my safe. I had some correspondence with 
my poor sister-in-law before she came home. 


308 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I believe she wrote three or four times and her 
husband once. I am sure I kept them. I suppose 
we had better accept this invitation.’’ 

Well, upon my word,” said Mr. Alf, suddenly 
rather abashed. I don’t know that I’m specially 
keen. Dressing for dinner every night, you know, 
and minding one’s p’s and q’s. Not but what it 
would astonish the club a bit. I shall be able to 
give ’em a few tips as to how our haristocracy 
live. Well, I don’t mind doing a jolly for once. 
I’m game. But you’ll have to fork out a fiver or 
two. I shall want a new dress-suit, the hired 
ones run up a bit, and some more shirts. One 
can’t enjoy these privileges without paying for 
them,” and Mr. Alf perused the letter again, 
without noticing his cofiee was getting cold, so 
elevated was his spirit. 

The days passed on, and Audrey and Alison 
returned home to Dorincourt. 

The big motor met them at the station, and 
when they drew up at the hall door, to their 
surprise. Lord Heversham himself came down 
the steps, bareheaded, to greet them. 

I say, I feel awfully grown-up,” said Alison. 

Look at father. He’s treating us just like 
visitors. Oh, isn’t it good, good, good to be at 
home again.” 


DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE 309 


Audrey thought there was something unusual 
in Lord Heversham’s manner, as he took her 
hand in his, and looked into her eyes with the 
dark, keen glance, that reminded her of Gerard, 
and made her droop her eyelashes and blush, she 
knew not why. 

And there was Lady Heversham in the hall, 
looking as regal as ever, but rather white, and 
surely there were tears in her eyes. 

Alison, cheerfully and affectionately greeting 
and being greeted, noticed nothing, but Audrey, 
as she followed her hostess into the splendid 
drawing-room, with its blazing fires and masses 
of hothouse plants, felt there was a difference, 
which made her vaguely uneasy. 

She felt it even more when, turning towards 
her own little room, she was deferentially in- 
formed by the maid that the tapestry chamber 
was ordered to be made ready for her. 

The tapestry chamber ? ’’ she exclaimed with 
surprise. ^AYhy ? 

The maid didn’t know. She was only obeying 
orders. 

The tapestry chamber was a beautiful room, 
with the walls hung with the delicately tinted 
hangings that gave it its name. 

No gloomy mediaeval designs, metaphorical 


310 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


mythological scenes, or sanguinary representa- 
tions of sport were there, but garlands of pink 
and crimson roses on a cream-coloured ground, 
with shy fawns and brilliant birds appearing 
among them. 

The room had been prepared for an ancestress, 
on her arrival as a bride, and had always been 
kept for visitors of distinction. Audrey found 
her own bookcase and writing table, with her 
special pictures and photos, arranged in the 
spacious bow window, almost a room in itself, 
which overlooked the front entrance, and her 
other belongings arranged in the exquisite 
chestnut-wood wardrobes, that were carved 
with the family arms. 

The bed was in the same wood, with its carved 
canopy supported by flying Cupids, and draped 
with embroidered silk curtains. 

Queen Victoria had stayed at Dorincourt when 
a girl, and was reported to have said it was the 
most comfortable bed she had ever slept in. So 
Audrey wondered more and more at the honours 
that had been thrust upon her, as she dressed for 
dinner. 


CHAPTER XXIX 

AN UNWILLINa INHERITOR 

“ Come quench your blushes, and present yourself 
that which you are, the mistress of the feast.” 

Shakespeare. 

That night at dinner, Audrey was told by Lord 
Heversham that her uncle and cousin were coming 
down the next day. 

Her feelings were decidedly mixed, for while 
she recognised the kindness of the thought, she 
knew how very uncongenial the society of Alf 
would be to them all, and believed her friends 
were making a sacrifice from the mistaken notion 
of giving her pleasure. 

She stammered a little in her reply, and Lord 
Heversham appreciated the reason. He added, 
slowly and kindly, 

I want to ask you also, if you have any 
letters or papers belonging to your father or 
mother here.’’ 


311 


312 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Audrey started, the colour rushed into her 
cheeks. What did he mean? She remained 
speechless, struggling to find her voice. 

Lord Heversham looked a little surprised, and 
said, “ Mr. Henshaw is coming down on estate 
business, and Gerard will be back early tomorrow, 
so we are to have a little consultation together 
about you.’’ 

About me ? ” she said, her breath coming 
short. Then an idea came to her. Perhaps now 
she was grown up. Lord Heversham was going 
to do something kind and generous about an 
allowance, or some provision for her. Her pride 
rose at the idea, and for an instant she felt 
affronted, but the next moment a rush of affec- 
tion overcame the little feeling, and she was able 
to reply with composure. The second thought 
was, on the whole, a reassuring one, for she had 
almost suspected something that was, of course, 
quite impossible. 

The next morning she woke in the carved 
chestnut bed, wondering where she was. 

Then came the pleasant thought. Gerard was 
coming home. She should see him that day. 
Then like a douche of cold water came the ques- 
tion, Why was he coming home? Was it on 
account of his approaching marriage that this 


AN UNWILLING INHERITOR 313 


family meeting had been convened on her 
account ? That was sure to be it. But how 
quiet they all were about it. Not a hint or a 
whisper of what would be such an important 
family event. Either it wasn’t settled yet, or 
else they wished no rumour to get out until his 
return. No doubt the Wyndhams would be 
coming to stay, and it would be announced in 
proper form. 

Poor Audrey, it was with a heavy heart she 
finished dressing. About twelve o’clock the 
motor was despatched to the station full of 
children, who would not be denied, to meet 
Gerard, who had slept the night before at Mr. 
Henshaw’s house in town, and was bringing the 
old lawyer back with him. 

When it returned, Marjorie, Alison, and Dick, 
who had been eagerly listening for the horn, 
ran down the wide front steps and precipitated 
themselves upon the traveller. 

Audrey, sitting at the writing table in her 
window above, saw the happy meeting. She 
noticed that Gerard looked older, graver, and 
she fancied thinner. But the familiar dry, 
melancholy smile lit his eyes at some remark of 
Roger’s, to her inaudible, and he turned at once 
to Marjorie with a question. 


314 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Her reply was a bright nod, and a glance up 
at Audrey’s window. She was gratified that he 
had evidently asked for her so soon. 

Then the whole party disappeared into the 
hall, and the rabbits came clamouring at Audrey’s 
door, demanding what she was doing, and why 
she didn’t come down at once to see Gigs. 

It had to be faced, so Audrey, with inward 
tremor, but outward decorum, followed the little 
girls downstairs into the great hall, where the 
whole party was assembled. 

Lady Heversham first introduced Mr. Henshaw, 
who looked attentively at Audrey, as he shook 
hands with her, and then she turned to Gerard. 

He stood erect, watching her, the lines of his 
handsome lips firmly set, and his grave, dark 
eyes almost stern. 

But at her shy upward glance, a wave of ten- 
derness mingled with a half humourous sadness, 
passed over his face, and he took her cold hand 
into his strong clasp, bowing his dark head over 
it with no spoken word. 

His father watched him keenly, but Lady 
Heversham had her eyes on Audrey’s face, and 
what she saw there satisfied her. 

But there was scant time allowed to them for 
greeting. The childi’en, wild with joy, were 


AN UNWILLING INHERITOR 315 


full of chatter, questioning, giving information, 
demanding news, all in a breath, and they were 
summoned to lunch before Gerard had been able 
to escape from them. 

The second arrival that day was a less tumul- 
tuous affair. 

Audrey, Alison, and Marjorie were with Lady 
Heversham in the small drawing-room when the 
motor arrived, and Mr. Baxter and Mr. Alfred 
Baxter were announced. 

Audrey came forward behind Lady Heversham, 
and kissed her uncle with sincere affection, ex- 
tending a cousinly hand to Alf, with inward 
hopes that he would not abuse the privilege. 

But Alf was a good deal subdued and 
frightened. His little cockney soul had never 
imagined anything like the stately splendour of 
Dorincourt, the spacious rooms, the subdued 
voices, the perfectly trained service, and he felt 
his own insignificance, and longed, as he said 
afterwards, to make a bolt for it. His entrance 
was slightly complicated also by an unfortunate 
slip on the polished floor, causing him to enter 
practically upon the back of the grand Mr. 
Clarkson, whose dignity saved the occasion, 
though poor Alf lost thereby the last shred of 
his self-respect. 


316 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Audrey introduced him to Lady Marjorie and 
Lady Alison, and adroitly got him into a deep 
chair, where he subsided, breathing hard, and 
crimson in the countenance. 

Lady Heversham, meanwhile, was talking to 
Mr. Baxter, who was much less embarrassed than 
his son, partly through his habitual preoccu- 
pation, and partly his short-sightedness, and who 
found her placid presence soothing. 

Tea came in, and with it Lord Heversham, 
Gerard, and Mr. Henshaw, and fresh introductions 
had to be made. 

Alf didn’t know whether he ought to sit still 
or stand up, and his usual assurance at what he 
called muffin worries ” had deserted him. He 
jumped up once to pass a cup to Marjorie, from 
whom he could hardly take his eyes, but caught 
his coat sleeve in a corner of the screen, and 
nearly poured it over her, to his deep confusion 
and despair. 

She, however, neatly dodged the cascade, and 
to his surprise nobody laughed or even noticed 
the mishap. 

Lor’, how they’d have roared at me at home,” 
he thought, ^^and what a fool I should have 
looked.” 

But after that he sat still, accepting in- 


AN UNWILLING INHERITOR 317 


discriminately every dish that was offered him, 
and devouring tomato sandwiches, ginger nuts, 
anchovy biscuits, and cream cakes, in rapid 
succession. 

After tea. Lord Heversham, Mr. Henshaw, and 
Mr. Baxter disappeared together, and Gerard 
said to Alf, “ Do you care about billiards ? 
Come and have a knock up with me.” 

We’ll come too,” said Alison, ^^and play a 
four. How^good are you, Mr. Baxter ? ” 

Fortunately Alf was rather what he would 
have called a dab ” at billiards, and accepted 
the invitation with alacrity. 

So he and Alison played against Gerard and 
Audrey, beating them with disgraceful ease, 
while Marjorie marked for them. 

^‘What’s the matter, Gerard?” she said. I 
never saw you so off your play.” 

^^I’ve been travelling on and off for a fort- 
night, my lady,” said Gerard, missing an easy 
cannon, as he spoke. “But you can’t do better 
than watch Mr. Baxter. I also feel quite sure 
that he can do conjuring tricks, and I propose 
that we stop playing to have an exhibition.” 

“ Indeed, my lord,” said Alf, much gratified, 
“I only do a few little things, just to amuse 
kids, I mean children. Wouldn’t you rather 


318 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


have another game ? Me and my partner will 
give you fifty up.” 

“ Oh, no,” said Audrey. ‘‘ Let me fetch the 
rabbits and Roger. I am sure Gerard is tired.” 

Sure you don’t want to go on playing ? ” 
enquired Gerard of her in an undertone. If 
not, let’s get an audience together for the 
magician, and then slip out. My father wants 
to see you in the library.” 

Audrey went first red, and then pale, but 
went ofi in search of the children. Pat, Honor, 
and Roger soon assembled, and with Dick in- 
stalled as a slightly sardonic conjurer’s assistant, 
with sundry glasses of water, old hats, and other 
paraphernalia collected, the absence of Gerard 
and Audrey was not conspicuous. 

Audrey’s heart beat rather uncomfortably, as 
she glanced up in Gerard’s serious face, but he 
gave her one of his old grave smiles as he opened 
the library door, and stood back to let her enter. 

Lord Heversham was sitting in his writing 
chair, and Mr. Henshaw was leaning over him 
putting some papers in order. 

A green-shaded reading lamp illuminated the 
table, leaving the rest of the room in darkness. 

As the young people entered. Lady Hever- 
sham came in by another door, and sat down 


AN UNWILLING INHERITOR 319 


in one of the big leather armchairs by the fire. 
Gerard went and leant over her^ and she 
motioned Audrey to sit in the corresponding 
chair the other side of the hearth. 

This is all very solemn/’ said Gerard. You 
are fairly frightening Audrey. Let us hasten to 
explain that it is not she who is the criminal.” 

^^I hope nobody is the criminal/’ said Mr. 
Henshaw rather severely, and Gerard looked 
penitent. 

^^Miss Denver/’ said Lord Heversham, ^^have 
you a second baptismal name ? ” 

Yes/’ said Audrey nervously. 

It’s not a legal offence/’ said Gerard, in an 
encouraging aside. 

What is it ? ” said Lord Heversham. 

Audrey Millicent,” was the answer, and a 
little sigh went round the room. 

Lord Heversham turned to a dark corner, 
where Audrey discerned the figure of her uncle 
in another chair. 

Mr. Baxter,” he said, I think we may 
consider the proofs are complete. Patricia, you 
must tell her. 

Lady Heversham opened her arms. Audrey 
knelt down beside her, and with her head on the 
kind motherly knee, listened breathlessly. 


320 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


My dear/’ she began. I hardly know how 
to put it. We have made a very surprising 
discovery. It might have been a much more 
painful one, but you must be prepared for a 
shock. Have you any idea who your father 
really was ? ” 

Audrey sprang to her feet, her eyes bright, 
her cheeks scarlet. 

Oh, not that, not that ! ” she cried. Oh, 
Lady Heversham, don’t tell me you’ve found 
it out ! Oh, what shall I do ? What shall I 
do ? ” and falling on her knees again she buried 
her face in Lady Heversham’ s lap. 

The men had all risen by this time, and 
were standing round, almost too astonished to 
speak. 

Lady Heversham caressed the soft brown hair, 
till Audrey lifted a tear-stained face, and said 
more collectedly : What is it that you have 

found out ? I never, never, meant to tell, and 
turn you all out.” 

My dear child,” began Lord Heversham, 
huskily, but his voice broke, and Mr. Henshaw 
took up the word. 

Tell us rather. Miss Denver,” he said; how 
much do you know, and how did you find it 
out?” 


AN UNWILLING INHERITOR 321 


It was the signet ring,’’ said Audrey breath- 
lessly ; I saw it was the same as the flag. 
And the tablet in church had the same date, 
and my father’s name was Hugh. But indeed, 
indeed, I hoped it wasn’t true. Need we tell 
anybody? I was so happy to know you were 
my own dear people, and I didn’t want anything 
more. Oh, Lady Heversham,” and she clasped 
her hands imploringly, ‘‘must we tell? If I 
don’t want it, can I be made to take it ? ” 

The old lawyer wiped his glasses, and cleared 
his throat. 

“ Your conduct, my dear young lady,” he said, 
has been beyond praise. I have no words to 
describe my admiration. But the law of the 
land must be obeyed, and I feel sure that our 
kind friends, in resigning a position that is not 
legally theirs, can feel nothing but satisfaction 
at giving it into the hands of one so high 
principled and warm hearted, as the real 
Countess of Heversham in her own right has 
shown herself to be.” 


CHAPTER XXX 

A GREAT CHANGE 

“ When we were happy, we had other names/' 
Shakespeare. 

The conclave had broken np. Mr. Baxter had 
gravely congratulated his niece, and had shaken 
hands silently with Lord Heversham, henceforth, 
through his mother having married a distant 
cousin, to be known as Mr. Dorincourt. 

Audrey had, after a fit of half hysterical 
sobbing and clinging to her cousin, been induced 
to resume her chair, and listen to the proofs of 
her succession, as collected by the old lawyer. 

He had the letters all arranged, the certificates 
in order, and the corresponding papers, which 
had been in the possession of the Dorincourt 
family, all put in their places. 

The signet ring would be another confirmatory 
piece of evidence, though without the documents 
it would be no proof. 


322 


A GREAT CHANGE 


323 


It will take a long time to get your succession 
proved, and your claim allowed by the Courts,” 
he said, “and in the meanwhile I would 
suggest that the present arrangements should 
continue.” 

Audrey’s face brightened. A gleam of hope 
appeared. 

“ I think it highly probable. Lady Heversham,” 
he said with a bow to Audrey, “ that under the 
circumstances your cousin may be appointed 
your guardian, until you have attained your 
majority, and be allowed a sufficient income 
to maintain the property, and make a home 
for you. Unless, of course, you have other 
views.” 

“ Mr. Henshaw,” said Audrey suddenly, with 
a little unconscious air of dignity, that sat well 
upon her, “will you please understand that, as 
far as my wishes can be considered, I should 
wish everything to go on exactly the same, if — 
my cousin — ” blushing a little — “will be so very 
good as to undertake the charge. I could not 
bear to be the means of breaking up this dear 
home, and the property could not possibly be in 
better hands. Dear, dear Lady Heversham,” — 
“ Cousin Patricia,” interpolated the lady — “well. 
Cousin Patricia, speak for me. I am so young. 


324 


HEAETS AND COEONETS 


I feel so ignorant, and oh dear, I am so 
miserable.” 

Nobody could help smiling, and Mr. Henshaw 
began to tie up his papers, remarking that he 
had no doubt whatever that all could be 
arranged on the most satisfactory basis, where 
all parties to the agreement were so well disposed 
towards each other. 

He and Mr. Baxter then left the room, leaving 
the family party together. 

So you knew it all the time,” said Gerard at 
last, breaking the silence. 

I only guessed it,” said Audrey tearfully. 

It was that horrid ring.” 

^^Eather amusing state of things, I call it,” 
said Gerard. 

‘‘ Amusing ! ” said Audrey in tragic tones. 

Yes, for those who like practical jokes,” he 
remarked. 

Gerard,” said his mother, how can you ? ” 

^M’m only explaining things, darling,” he 
said. These aristocratic ladies don’t always 
take the trouble to cultivate their sense of 
humour. She persists in regarding as a tragedy 
the very broadest piece of farce I have ever come 
across. 

^^Here we are full of anxiety as to the effect the 


A GREAT CHANGE 


325 


shock will have on her ladyship. Here is she 
keeping the same information carefully from us, 
for the same reason. Oh, the thing is really 
remarkably funny if you look at it in the right 
way. As far as I can see, we have all gained by 
the transaction.” 

How all of us ? ” enquired Audrey, beginning 
to respond to his mood. 

Why, we have all gained a new cousin, or 
are you my aunt ? ” he said with a smile. I 
am not quite sure you are not. And you have 
got a whole family, ready made, a perfect fit, 
without the trouble of forming their characters.” 

I believe I knew I was your cousin before I 
guessed it,” said Audrey, beginning to recover 
her spirits. 

The only person who has shown the smallest 
spark of intelligence in the matter,” said Gerard, 
was that old Miss Burgess. You know, the old 
party with the purple front, and the wall eye, 
who said at the ball that you were a cousin or 
something. I heard her, and thought what an 
old ass she was, and lo ! it was I.” 

A very salutary discovery,” said his father. 
^^Well, it^s time to dress for dinner, after all 
these alarms and excursions. Come along, Mrs. 
Dorincourt. After you, my Lady Heversham.” 


326 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Oh, don’t,” pleaded Audrey. But the depres- 
sion was lifting. After all, it seemed only the 
title that had changed hands. Mr. Henshaw’s 
hint about the guardianship had lifted a load 
from her heart, and possibly from that of her 
cousin as well. 

It would be something, not to have to hand 
the care of the broad acres and the tenantry, 
all familiar friends, to strangers. Even as a 
steward, Alured Dorincourt felt that he might 
still have an object in life, and he knew that he 
could be of use in the world. 

So, after all, it was actually a merry dinner, 
and Gerard drew out Alf with so much 
success that even the decorous servants were 
fain to leave the room unexpectedly at in- 
opportune moments, in spite of the glare in 
the butler’s eye, who, being devoid of humour 
himself, saw no necessity for its existence in 
others, and was not a little shocked at his 
lordship’s making so free with that little counter- 
jumper. 

Audrey had begged that the news might not 
be given out till after Christmas, and that all 
might go on as usual. 

So nothing was said to mar the evening, and 
Gerard himself seemed the gayest of the gay. 


A GREAT CHANGE 


327 


though his father knew, and his mother sus- 
pected, how heavy was his heart. 

Where are the rabbits?” he enquired sud- 
denly. Has Mr. Baxter turned them into 
goldfish, or red silk handkerchiefs ? I forgot it 
was never safe to leave rabbits with a conjurer.” 

There are great preparations forward,” said 
Marjorie smiling. They are to act a duologue, 
and it is all to be a surprise for us.” 

Another surprise,” said Gerard aside to 
Audrey. I don’t think my nerves will stand 
much more. Let us ask Mr. Baxter to do a 
little step dancing instead.” 

^^That would be a surprise,” said Audrey 
merrily. By the way, how did you know he 
did conjuring tricks ? ” 

You’re not the only person who can make 
guesses,” said Gerard. I thought from the 
shape of his tie that he would, and I was right. 
I was very much obliged to him, I can tell you. 
But the best trick of all was done in the library, 
wasn’t it ?” 

Trick,” said Audrey, reproachfully. 

^^Well, wasn’t it a trick? Miss Denver is 
transformed into the Countess of Heversham, 
and Lord and Lady Heversham become plain Mr. 
and Mrs. Dorincourt, not to speak of nearly 


328 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


every one else in the house changing their 
names in the twinkling of an eye. And how was 
this done ? By the production of a few pieces of 
paper, scribbled over with pen and ink. If that 
wouldn’t have been called black magic in the 
Middle Ages, I’ll eat my hat.” 

“ It all seems like a particularly unpleasant 
dream to me still,” said Audrey, ^^and I wish 
someone would wake me up.” 

Let’s ask Mr. Alf, your other cousin. By 
the way, I suppose he is my cousin too,” said 
Gerard, through you, who may be entitled the 
missing link.” 

^^No longer missing,” said Audrey. Worse 
luck. The only comfort is that nobody else 
knows yet. How all the poor people will hate 
me, and the tenants, and the servants. Oh 
dear, oh dear,” and Audrey’s eyes filled again 
with tears. 

Gerard looked away, and the footman w^ondered 
after how his lordship’s napkin ring got so 
crushed; but he said cheerfully, It’s wonderful 
what people will get fond of, you know. I heard 
of a man who became attached to a particularly 
revolting toad, because it was the only toad in 
his garden. So you needn’t give up hope entirely. 
I daresay you will find that old Mrs. Tubbs will 


A GREAT CHANGE 


329 


graciously accept a flannel petticoat, or a pound 
of tea, from you, and I am sure the tenants’ 
children won’t refuse your invitation to the 
Christmas Tree.” 

^^You Icnoio it isn’t that,” said Audrey, the 
tears in her voice, if not her eyes. 

^‘Yes, I know,” said Gerard gravely. ‘‘1 
know. But it must be gone through with now, 
and I am sure the head of the family will set us 
all a good example.” 

Audrey looked up, met the chivalrous admira- 
tion in his eyes, and quickly looked down again. 
But he had struck the right note, and she regis- 
tered an inward vow to try never to fall short of 
the standard he had held before her. 

Dinner over, they repaired to the white draw- 
ing-room, where Pat and Honor, disguised in 
white cotton sunbonnets, and large aprons, recited 
the time-honoured duologue of Geese,” after 
which they all turned to Dumb Crambo, which 
the actors enjoyed so much that they hardly 
noticed the preoccupation of some of their 
audience. 

That evening, when Mr. Dorincourt and his 
son were smoking their final cigars in the billiard 
room, Gerard said : 

Father, I may as well tell you now as later. 


330 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I hope you won’t think I am afraid of facing the 
music, but I can’t stop here.” 

“ No,” said his father, “ I thought not. I sup- 
pose you will finish your terms at Oxford first, 
and then go to read for the F.O. exam.” 

“ I mean more than that,” said Gerard. I’m 
grieved to hurt you, but I must give up the F.O. 
idea. I’m going out of England.” 

“ Out of England ! ” his father echoed. 

Where to ? ” 

“ I met a good fellow on the boat coming home, 
an American financier, a sound chap, but not 
much of a scholar,” said Gerard. We rather hit 
it off, and he offered me a post as secretary to 
help him address his letters, and entertain the 
bosses,” he said. He offers a capital salary, and 
wants me at once. I told him I’d come.” 

There was a long pause. Gerard stood by the 
fire, one hand on the high mantel shelf, the other 
jingling some loose coins in his pocket, his head 
bent, regarding the leaping flames in the wide 
old-fashioned grate, his back to his father. 

For fully five minutes neither of them spoke. 

Then Mr. Dorincourt said huskily, Is this 
necessary, my son ? ” 

And Gerard replied: It is necessary.” 


CHAPTER XXXI 

FATE 

“ Yet who shall shut out Fate ? ” 

Edwin Arnold. 

Christmas was over, and the household was 
regaining its normal condition. 

The stupefying announcement had been made 
by Alured Dorincourt himself at the big tenants^ 
dinner on Boxing Day. 

The family had of course been told privately 
beforehand, and had on the whole taken the news 
quietly. In fact Marjorie, who had been rather 
silent of late, and had lost some of her pretty 
colour, seemed unaccountably to recover her 
spirits, and was heard singing about the house 
in her old way. 

The rabbits were still the rabbits, and the fact 
that the servants had been instructed to address 
them as Miss, and never remembered to do so, 
did not seem to trouble them. 


331 


332 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


Alison and Dick were mainly concerned at the 
decision that the big annual ball would not take 
place, and consoled themselves getting up skating 
parties and tobogganing, there being a spell of 
real winter weather, without apparently giving 
much thought to their vanished glories. 

When they had ascertained that they were 
still to live at Dorincourt, and that Audrey was 
to become a permanent inmate, instead of an 
occasional visitor, they seemed no more concerned 
than little Roger. 

But the young Lady Heversham was by no 
means capable of the cheerful philosophy of her 
cousins. Even though her worst fears had not 
been realised, and the family turned out to 
sing in the streets,” as Dick once suggested after 
a singularly successful performance of In ’er 
’air she wore a white camelliar,” all was not well 
with her. 

Her pillow was suspiciously damp every morn- 
ing, as the housemaids remarked to each other, 
and there were dark circles under her eyes, which 
told of sleepless nights. She seemed to have 
forgotten the merry familiar chaff she used to 
enjoy, and would sit gazing out of the window at 
her undesired heritage, with a book unheeded on 
her lap, refusing to join the others, and getting 


FATE 


333 


so thin and pale that her kind relatives became 
seriously anxious. 

Gerard had sailed for America, and the sun 
had lost its light, and life its object. She knew 
now why. She could not disguise from herself, 
though she confided in nobody the secret of her 
unhappiness. She had of course realised that 
the newspaper report was unfounded, but it had 
served its purpose of opening her eyes to her 
own feelings. 

Although her cousin Patricia divined the cause, 
the strict code of honour that guided her husband 
and son prevented her from taking the forlorn 
little Countess into her kind arms, and letting 
her sob out her grief upon her shoulder. 

It^s a bad time,” said Mr. Dorincourt, who 
was himself looking worried and sad. A bad 
time for us all, but principally for poor Audrey. 
She must work out her own salvation, poor child. 
We can’t help her. Happily at eighteen the 
heart is elastic. She will forget.” 

“ And poor Gerard,” said his mother, to whom 
by now his secret was known. Will he forget? 
Aren’t you too hard on them, Alured? It breaks 
my heart to see poor Audrey’s big, wistful eyes. 
When one knows it only means a word to put it 
right. And my darling boy, eating his heart 


334 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


out away off there among strangers. Surely, 
surely, happiness comes first.’' 

But her husband shook his head. No,” he 
said, there is something that comes before 
happiness. I could not love thee, dear, so much, 
loved I not honour more,” and his wife could 
only sigh and acquiesce. 

The weather changed, to the discomfiture of 
the skaters. Thick white fogs blotted out the 
landscape, and hung like a pall over the earth. 
For several days the world was wrapped in 
misty vapour. There were rumours of disasters 
to shipping and trains, of business delayed and 
hampered in big towns, and of general dislocation 
of traffic. 

Audrey, one afternoon, a week after the 
‘^Columbia” had sailed, had an errand down to 
the village, and, glad to escape from her sad 
thoughts, dressed herself warmly, and started off 
basket in hand through the woods, which was 
a shorter way than down the drive. As she 
entered the plantation, Roger came running after 
her. Audrey, Audrey, let me come with you,” 
he cried breathlessly. The blacksmith’s finished 
the new toboggan and I want to see it.” 

Won’t the fog make you cough?” asked 
Audrey. 


FATE 


335 


Oh, no,” he said. Mother gave me leave. 
Besides, I do believe it^s clearing; I saw a 
shadow.” 

Where ? ” said Audrey, looking round. Then 
her heart seemed to stop beating, as Gerard 
stepped quietly from among the trees, and took 
possession of her basket. 

Where are you going this delightful after- 
noon ? ” he enquired. I am glad you have an 
escort.” 

Gigs ! ” shouted Roger in an ecstasy. How, 
why, what, I thought you were in New York by 
now. Does mother know ? ” 

Nobody knows yet, my son,” said Gerard, 
putting a restraining hand upon him, to prevent 
him rushing home with the news. 

Never be in a hurry to carry evil tidings. 
They come soon enough,” he said. At present 
I feel an overpowering desire to walk down to 
the village, and I don’t propose to return home 
till I have gratified it. They won’t expect me 
yet, for I wired I was coming by the 6.10. But 
I changed my mind, as you see.” 

“ But there has been no telegram,” said Audrey. 

Really?” said Gerard, looking rather con- 
cerned. I telegraphed the moment we reached 
Liverpool. But I will explain.” 


336 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


^^YeSj please do/’ said Audrey. do hope 
nothing dreadful has happened. You look pale, 
and unlike yourself.” 

And whatever have you got on ? ” said 
Roger. Indeed Gerard did not present his usual 
neat and well turned out appearance. His dark 
blue serge suit, originally so well cut, was stained 
and shrunk, and hung badly on his slight, tall 
figure. He wore a strange cap, rather too large 
for him, of a rough tweed, and big clumsy 
looking boots. His left hand was bandaged, and 
he looked tired and harassed. 

Let us sit down,” said he, ‘‘ on this fallen 
tree. Lend me your cloak,” and with one hand 
he arranged Audrey’s golf cape to make a seat 
for her, sitting down beside it himself, rather 
wearily. 

Audrey clasped her hands in suspense, 
anxiously searching his face. 

His eyes lit up for a moment with the tender, 
whimsical smile she knew so well, but changed 
and saddened again as he said, There was a 
collision at sea. We were about three days out, 
and were run into in the fog by a homeward 
bound liner. We were wrong, on the ^ Columbia/ 
out of our course. It was late, about twelve. 
Everybody was below, but I was smoking on 


FATE 


337 


deck, with one of the officers, a nice fellow. We 
had gone up to the top deck, to try and see 
something in the fog.” 

He paused, and Roger said impatiently, Go 
on ; whatever happened ? ” 

I hardly know,” Gerard rephed. We were 
going dead slow, the foghorn sounding continu- 
ously. I was looking out to sea, when a great 
black cloud seemed to rise out of the fog. I heard 
my friend say something in a very agitated voice. 
Then came an irresistible impact. We seemed 
to be forced violently back, so violently, that I 
was thrown clean over the rail that I was leaning 
on. I clutched at something, which came with 
me. And then I was in a kind of welter of 
roaring suffocation and blackness. It was icy 
cold. I must have gone down deep, from the 
height I was thrown from.” 

He drew a long breath, and resumed in a more 
cheerful tone. ^^Then, as the novels say, I 
knew no more. But presently I woke up, and 
found myself in another cabin, in a bunk rather 
too short for me. A taste of brandy was in my 
mouth, and a strange Johnnie was giving me 
some more. I have always disliked compulsory 
feeding, and tried to say so. Well, to cut my 
story short, I had been picked up by a returning 


338 


HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


steamer, not a big boat, floating with the help of 
my faithful deck chair, which had accompanied 
my dive overboard. I soon got all right. But 
we were desperately anxious about the two big 
ships. I had drifted ever so far, and it was a 
miracle that they had seen me in the fog and 
all.’’ 

A miracle indeed,” said Audrey in a whisper. 

I had to come home again, with the boat of 
course, and I had lost everything except what I 
had on, and even then I was hardly respectable, 
as you see. But when we reached Liverpool, 
we heard that the ^Columbia’ had just arrived 
at New York, so we presume the other ship 
was all right too. It was a bit of a nightmare 
coming home, I can tell you, wondering what 
had happened to them. I was glad that the 
Marconi apparatus had not been fitted on to the 
^ Columbia,’ or they would have sent the news 
home that they had mislaid me, and caused some 
inconvenience.” 

Oh, Gerard,” was all Audrey could say. 

He glanced at her wet eyes, and looked hastily 
away. 

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Then 
a little breeze began to stir in the leafless 
branches, a gleam of sunset light showed between 


FATE 


339 


the tall tree trunks, and a robin raised a sweet 
little twittering song. 

say, how jolly,” said Roger. ^^But it 
served you wight for going away at all.” 

Oh, you think so, do you, most wise young 
judge ? ” said Gerard. And may I ask why ? ” 

It was an injudicious question, and received a 
startling answer. 

Because you said you wanted to stay at 
home, and mawwy Audrey.” 

Audrey started and felt giddy for a moment. 
As in a dream she heard Gerard’s voice, with its 
half sad, half mocking intonation, reply, 

Ah, but Audrey mustn’t marry a poor beggar 
like me.” 

She wants to,” said Roger sturdily. “ Emma 
told me so. She said, ^It do seem stoopid for 
his lordship to cut away like that, and Miss 
Audrey crying her eyes out for him every 
night.’ ” 

Audrey came to herself abruptly. Roger,” 
she exclaimed, what are you talking about ? ” 

About you and Gigs,” said Roger unabashed. 

There, I don’t care, I don’t. I told Pat I’d 
tell, and she dared me to. I don’t know why 
he says you don’t want to marry him, but I 
heard him tell dad he wanted to marry you 


340 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


awf’lly, in the smoking room at Glentulloch last 
holidays.” 

Audrey turned a face to Gerard so trans- 
figured with joy, that he instinctively slipped 
down on one knee beside her in the wet grass, as 
she said softly, 

Gerard, is this true ? ” 

And holding her in his arms, he replied, 
^^Well, as Roger has taken upon himself the 
office of intermediary, I must admit that his 
facts are correct. But as the need for his 
services is now over, he may run back and tell 
the family that the fog has lifted at last, and 
that we are coming — home. 

^^Is that the message you would like taken, 
my Audrey, my darling?” 

And Audrey, with her happy face hidden in 
the shabby blue coat, had no objections to offer. 


CHAPTEK XXXII 
“•WEDDING BELLS” 

“ Ah, marriage is the life-long miracle, 

The self -begetting wonder, daily fresh.” 

C. Kingsley. 

Of all the inmates of Dorincourt Castle, the one 
person to whom the late events had afforded 
pure and unadulterated satisfaction was Mr. 
Alfred Baxter. 

He even wrote a long letter to his sister 
Laura, with whom he was usually more on 
terms of armed neutrality than those of devoted 
affection. 

You will sit up,” he wrote, when I tell you 
what’s been happening here. 

It turns out that Audrey’s father’s name was 
Dorincourt, not Denver, and that he was the uncle 
of this lord here ; a good chap with no side. 

I never knew before that girls could be 
countesses all by themselves, but it seems so, 

341 


342 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


and so Audrey is really the Countess of Hever- 
sharuj and all these Dorincourts no better than 
plain Misters and Missises like us. 

There^ put that in your pipe and smoke it. 

Audrey T1 have all this ripping great place, 
and two or three others as far as I can make out, 
and about twenty thou’ a year, besides the title. 
But it is to be settled that the family don’t kick 
out, but her cousin (it seems all rot calling him 
Dorincourt) is to stop on as her guardian and 
in charge of the property. At least that’s what 
they want, if the lawyers will let ’em. 

“ Good for you, you can talk about your cousin 
the Countess, and knock the spots off them a bit. 
I shall get some shooting and the run of my 
teeth, anyhow, which suits yours truly all right. 

^^But the funny part about it all is that 
Audrey goes moping about like a sick cat, and 
looks as if she was going to be hanged. 

The others all seem quite jolly about it, and 
the kids don’t care a tuppenny. 

The eldest son, Windlesham — by the way, I 
must drop that name too — Gerard Dorincourt — 
was, I think, pretty sick about it. He got some 
post in America, and went off there, just after 
the announcement, though they said he had 
collected most of the evidence himself, and had 


WEDDING BELLS” 


343 


behaved jolly well about it. However, his boat 
got into a fog and got run into by another liner 
out of her course, and Gerard got chucked over- 
board somehow. The two ships lost each other 
in the fog, and a returning boat picked him up, 
after a couple of hours in the water, floating on 
a sort of deck chair, but knocked silly with a 
bang on the head and a broken wrist. 

^^He got home tonight, looking a bit less of a 
dandy than usual, and met Audrey and Roger in 
the wood. He had wired, but the wire hadn’t 
come, because of the fog, I suppose. 

So we’re all right again now. His people 
think a lot of him, and though I must admit 
I thought him a bit high and mighty at first, one 
can’t help being sorry for the poor chap now. 

Another thing I must tell you, is that one of 
the girls, Marjorie, is a real charmer. Knocked 
the stuffing out of Alf Baxter, Esquire, in the 
first ten minutes. When she was Lady Marjorie 
I suppose she wouldn’t have looked at me, but 
now she’s come down to plain Miss, it’s wonderful 
how affable she’s got. She’s uncommonly pretty 
too, I can tell you ; and though I do think that 
Mr. Alfred and Lady Marjorie Baxter would have 
sounded better, yet she’s a real high stepper, 
with the sort of skin that wants no paint, and 


344 


HEARTS AND CORONETS 


I’ve a jolly good mind to try my luck. She has 
got a smile on her. It gives you the jimjams, 
and no mistake. 

Another young chap has turned up here 
tonight. A Captain Adair. I thought Lady — 
no. Miss Marjorie looked down her nose a bit at 
him, and she asked me in the most marked way 
to come and have a game of billiards with her 
after tea. I was all over it, as you may guess, 
especially as the other fellow was evidently dead 
nuts on her. 

There’s a good sort of fellow here, called 
Clarkson, son of the groom of the chambers. No 
end of a swell, keeps his own trap, and he and I 
have palled up a bit. He tells me Marjorie has 
had lots of chances, refused a Marquis last year, 
the son of a duke, and has had three or four 
offers every season, ever since she came out. 

^^Spec they’ll fall off a bit now. Pity she 
didn’t rope in the Marquis when she had the 
chance. But all the better for me. I’m not 
such a bad-looking chap, am I ? and she says I’m 
the best billiard player she’s ever seen. That’s a 
bit of all right, isn’t it ? 

I had to stop writing for dinner. Audrey 
looks better tonight; Gerard was quite funny in 


WEDDING BELLS 


345 


his way, not my way, but he makes one laugh 
somehow. It isn’t what he says, you know, but 
the way he says it. 

That Adair chap’s a bit of a frost. He’s a 
deal too cocksure and cool, and hardly throws 
a word at yours truly. He needn’t be more 
haughty than the rest of them, though they’re 
not lords and ladies any longer. They always 
treated me properly, I will say that for them, 
even down to the little chap, Roger, the one 
Audrey pulled out of the water. 

’Pon my word, Laura, I never thought 
Audrey could look so well as she did tonight. 
A scraggy brown sort of flapper, wasn’t she ? 
Well, she seems to have grown up, all of a 
sudden, and looked quite the Countess. 

She was jolly decent to me too, but not so 
much so as Marjorie. We had a ripping evening, 
playing pyramids and pool to please the ladies. 
Not my usual style, but it was good enough 
tonight. What I really like is to see those two 
chaps, Gerard and Adair, left out in the cold, 
and all the girls round Mr. Alfred Baxter. He 
wasn’t backward in coming forward either. Not 
a bit of it. I 

This is a jolly little letter, isn’t it ? You’ve 
never had such a long one from me before. You 


346 


HEAKTS AND CORONETS 


had better make the most of it, for you’ll never 
get another. And I don’t mind if you send it 
on to Monica. 

There’s a meet here tomorrow, and Marjorie’s 
going to follow on foot, as her horse is lame. 
They offered me a mount, but I know a trick 
worth two of that. A snug corner behind a hay- 
stack, and nobody looking, that’s my programme. 

You’d better be saving up your pennies to 
buy a wedding present with, old girl. Won’t 
the Spicer girls be sick about it? And Miss 
Fernie, and Daphne Donkin, and a few more. 

But I know the right sort, when I see it. 

Yom^ aff. brother, 

Alf.” 

What Laura thought of the news must remain 
unrecorded, but poor Alf’s departure the next 
day but one was not the triumphal procession 
he had planned, and on the intermediate evening, 
in the usual dressing-gown parliament, which was 
held in Marjorie’s room, a few more confidences 
were exchanged. 

Marjorie, looking extremely attractive in a 
pale blue dressing-gown, was brushing out her 
fair hair before the fire, while Audrey and Alison, 
comfortably established in two armchairs, were 


WEDDING BELLS” 


347 


cross-questioning her with skill and success, 
notwithstanding her attempts to turn the con- 
versation. 

I ivill know what Alf said,” remarked Alison 
firmly. I told you you were much too civil 
last night. Poor little Alf, you completely 
turned his head. He looks absolutely flattened 
out today. He didn’t make even one pun during 
dinner. You are a bit of a minx, for all your 
innocent looks, you know, Marjorie.” 

^^I’m not,” protested Marjorie, blushing, and 
brushing furiously. never dreamt of such 
a thing. I was thinking of — something quite 
different.” 

Obviously,” said Alison drily. 

‘‘ And he really spoke quite nicely, poor little 
man,” Marjorie continued. He said of course he 
wouldn’t have intruded if I had been still my 
lady, but, though it was his cousin who was the 
Countess now, it hadn’t made any difference to 
his feelings. 

He told me what his income was, and all 
about his prospects, and said he hadn’t been 
able to help noticing that I liked him.” 

“ What did I tell you ? ” said Alison. 

But that vexed me,” said Marjorie, and I 
am afraid I stopped him rather sharply. So then 


348 HEARTS AND CORONETS 


he got very humble, and — but really it is too bad 
of me — and he did say some very nice things, 
and I was awfully sorry for him, I really was.” 

Until Robin Adair turned up under the next 
haystack/’ said Alison slily. 

“ Oh, Audrey, ” said Marjorie inconsequently, 
dropping her brush, and, crossing her arms on 
her friend’s knee, she laid her fair head on them, 
as she knelt by her side. I am so happy. I 
didn’t know one could be so happy. It seems 
almost wicked when so many people aren’t happy 
a bit. I want to spread it all over the world. 
I feel as if there was lots to spare. And it is all 
through you. Robin,” the name was uttered 
very shyly, said he would never have dared, 
and he was desperately jealous of Lord Fram- 
lingham. The idea ! ” and Marjorie picked up 
her brush again. 

^^Weli, at any rate,” said Alison, wickedly, 
you have had two disinterested admirers. But 
I should say Robin will have his hands full, if 
you always mean to meet them under every 
haystack.” 

Audrey had not joined in the talk, but sat 
dreamily looldng into the fire, a happy smile 
on her lips, and a great joy and peace in her 
heart. 


WEDDING BELLS 


349 


We’ll be married on the same day, darling, 
won’t we?” whispered Marjorie. A year will 
soon pass. I’m quite an old lady compared to 
yon, actually twenty-three, but I don’t mind 
waiting, do you ? ” 

And Audrey, out of her great happiness, 
breathed ^^No.” 


4 

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By CHRISTINA GO WANS WHYTE 


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PUBLISHED BY 


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64-66 Fifth Avenue, New York 


EVERY BOY'S AND GIRL'S SERIES 

A series of books which have been proved to have 
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